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Best Mattresses for Combination Sleepers – Top Picks and Buyer’s Guide

Written by Tuck Staff

Quick Overview

Combination sleeping refers to using more than one of the three primary sleep positions – side, back, and stomach – on a nightly basis. Some combination sleepers favor one position, while others have preferences that regularly shift. Combination sleeping can be beneficial for people with poor circulation, as the constant movement improves blood flow. It can also be helpful for those who snore heavily (including people with sleep apnea).

Like those who prefer singular sleep positions, combination sleepers should carefully choose a mattress based on their individual preferences. Body weight is an important factor, as sleep surfaces will feel differently to those in the light, average, and heavy weight groups.

A mattress for a combination sleeper should also feel comfortable regardless of which position they use night to night. For example, someone who shifts between side and back sleeping should select a mattress that provides adequate support and helps align the spine.

Read on to learn more about important considerations for combination sleepers. Below you will find our picks for the top six mattresses for combination sleepers sold today. Our choices are based on verified customer and owner experiences, as well as intensive product research and analysis.

Best Mattresses for Combination Sleepers

Best Mattresses for Combination Sleepers – Reviewed

Best OverallNectar Mattress

Best Overall – Nectar Mattress

Highlights

  • Medium Firm (6)
  • 365-night sleep trial
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Close conforming and pressure relief
  • Sleeps cooler than most foam models
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Best OverallNectar Mattress

nectarsleep.com

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Balance is the key to comfortable sleep for many combination sleepers. Surfaces that offer a mix of body conforming and support, as well as average thickness profiles, tend to be the best option for sleepers that switch between different positions.

The Nectar Mattress exemplifies this balanced mattress design. The bed is ‘Medium Firm,’ or a 6 on the 1-10 firmness scale, which should be suitable for anyone weighing 130 pounds or more, as well as lighter individuals who prefer firmer beds. The Nectar’s 12″ profile is on par with the average mattress thickness too.

The Nectar features a memory foam comfort layer that provides moderate but consistent conforming. Side and stomach sleepers experience better spinal alignment, while back sleepers enjoy even support.

The bed also has a dual-layer high-density polyfoam support core for added reinforcement, especially around the edges where people tend to sit. A breathable cover made from cotton and lyocell also allows the Nectar to sleep cool, which can be helpful for hot sleepers. Other benefits include great motion isolation and no noise when bearing weight.

Customers in the contiguous U.S. qualify for free standard delivery when they purchase a Nectar mattress, and White Glove delivery – including in-home assembly and old mattress removal – is available for an extra charge. The Nectar is backed by a 365-night sleep trial, which is one of the longest sleep trials offered anywhere, along with a 10-year warranty.

Good for:

  • Sleepers in average and heavy weight groups
  • Couples
  • Those who normally sleep hot on foam beds
  • People who prefer beds with average thickness profiles

Best ValueT&N Mattress

Best Value – T&N Mattress

Highlights

  • Medium Firm (6)
  • 100-night sleep trial
  • 10-year warranty
  • Very good pressure relief and motion isolation
  • Low price-point
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Best ValueT&N Mattress

tuftandneedle.com

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The T&N Original from Tuft & Needle is a high-value pick at an affordable price-point. The mattress offers a fairly responsive, medium-firm feel that performs well for most sleeper types and sizes, but particularly suits average weight sleepers.

The bed is constructed with a 3-inch comfort layer of polyfoam infused with graphite and gel, both of which are intended to help the mattress sleep cooler. Beneath the comfort layer is a 7-inch support core of high-density polyfoam. This construction lends the bed very good pressure relief and motion isolation. If you like a combined feeling of sleeping “in” and “on” your mattress, the T&N Original could be the perfect choice.

The mattress makes virtually no noise when bearing weight and isolates motion transfer very well, making it an ideal choice for those who share a bed with a partner. In our testing, sleepers in the average weight group rated this mattress the most favorably due to the bed’s balance of body-conforming and support.

Tuft & Needle ships the mattress for free to customers in the contiguous U.S. They also offer a 100-night sleep trial and back the mattress with a 10-year warranty.

Good for:

  • Those who share a bed.
  • Value-seekers.
  • Those who weigh between 130 and 230 pounds.
  • Individuals who usually sleep hot on all-foam beds.

Best LuxuryHelix Midnight Luxe

Best Luxury – Helix Midnight Luxe

Highlights

  • 'Medium' (5.5)
  • 100-night sleep trial
  • 10-year warranty
  • Sleeps cool for most
  • Resilient edge support
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Best LuxuryHelix Midnight Luxe

helixsleep.com

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The Helix Midnight Luxe is part of a hybrid line Helix Sleep released in 2018. The Midnight Luxe, like other models in the Luxe series, is constructed with comfort layers of gel-infused memory foam and support polyfoam, along with a quilted pillow-top for extra cushioning.

The mattress also has a polyfoam transitional layer and a zoned pocketed coil base. The coils are arranged in a multi-gauge configuration, with denser coils beneath the sleeper’s chest, stomach and hips and thinner coils under the sleeper’s lighter areas, such as the head and legs. This results in great weight displacement and isolated support throughout the sleeper’s body.

The Midnight Luxe offers a ‘Medium’ (5.5) feel, which provides a good balance of body-conforming softness and sturdy support. This setting, combined with the bed’s 14″ profile, make the bed very suitable for sleepers who weigh at least 130 pounds.

The Midnight Luxe also sleeps exceptionally cool even compared to other hybrids, due to good airflow through the coils and a gel-infused comfort layer. Other benefits include better-than-average motion isolation and minimal noise when bearing weight.

The Helix Midnight Luxe has a much lower price-point than the average hybrid, making it a high-value and luxury pick. Helix Sleep offers free shipping anywhere in the contiguous U.S. The mattress is backed by a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.

Good for:

  • Every type of sleeper (side, back, stomach, combination)
  • Sleepers in the average and heavy weight groups
  • Back pain sufferers
  • Those who tend to sleep hot

Best for Lightweight SleepersLayla Mattress

Best for Lightweight Sleepers – Layla Mattress

Highlights

  • Flippable with two firmness levels (4,7)
  • 120-night sleep trial
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Excellent motion isolation and pressure relief
  • Lightweight and easy to flip
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Best for Lightweight SleepersLayla Mattress

laylasleep.com

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Most people who weigh less than 130 pounds prefer softer mattresses that conform closely to the body, but this is not always the case. The Layla Mattress has a flippable design with a distinct feel on each side. One surface is medium soft (4) and in line with preferences for the average lightweight sleepers, while the opposite surface is firm (7) and contours to a very minimal extent. This reversible design should accommodate most sleepers in this weight group, whether they want a softer surface or one that provides more support.

Both sides of the mattress feature memory foam comfort layers. The medium soft surface has an additional foam layer for extra cushioning. A shared support core in the middle of the mattress is composed of high-density polyfoam. This layer provides great overall stability regardless of which side the sleeper uses. A breathable, stretchy cover made from a blend of polyester and viscose encases the entire mattress. Weighing only 69 pounds in a queen size, the Layla is relatively lightweight and easy to flip whenever a firmness adjustment is wanted.

Since each side of the mattress has a distinct feel, each one has its own set of strengths. The medium soft surface excels at pressure relief and motion isolation, whereas the firmer surface is easier to move across and feels more secure along the edges. Both memory foam layers are infused with copper, which has natural cooling properties and is intended to reduce heat retention. As a result, sleepers may find the Layla sleeps at a cooler temperature than the average memory foam mattress.

Layla offers free ground shipping anywhere in the contiguous U.S. Each order includes a 120-night trial period for testing out the mattress, and those who decide to keep it also receive a lifetime warranty against structural defects.

Good for:

  • Couples
  • People who tend to feel too hot on foam mattresses
  • Those who like to periodically change the feel of their mattress
  • Anyone who weighs up to 230 pounds

Best for Average Weight SleepersSaatva Classic

Best for Average Weight Sleepers – Saatva Classic

Highlights

  • Multiple firmness options (4, 6, 7.5)
  • 365-night sleep trial
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Close conforming and pressure relief
  • Strong edge support
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Best for Average Weight SleepersSaatva Classic

www.saatva.com

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Combination sleepers in the average weight group (130 to 230 pounds) typically prefer mattresses in the ‘Medium Soft’ to ‘Medium Firm’ range that provide a balance of body conforming and strong support.

The Saatva Classic is a great pick for this weight group because it is available in two moderate firmness settings – ‘Medium Soft’ (4) and ‘Medium Firm’ (6) – as well as a ‘Firm’ (7.5) option for heavier individuals. The Saatva Classic is also offered in 11 1/2″ and 14 1/2″ profiles to accommodate sleepers with different thickness preferences, though both are considered thicker-than-average.

Unlike most other innersprings, the Saatva Classic  is constructed with a thick comfort system that offers pain and pressure relief for most. These include memory foam, polyfoam, and pocketed coil layers, as well as a foam-padded Euro-top for added cushioning.

The support core features bonnell coils, which are more durable than other coil types and provide excellent reinforcement to the entire bed. Good air circulation through the coil layers ensures good temperature neutrality too.

Free White Glove delivery – including in-home assembly and old mattress removal – is available to all Saatva customers. The mattress is backed by a 365-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty, both of which are considered longer than average.

Good for:

  • Sleepers in the average and heavy weight groups.
  • Couples
  • Those who tend to sleep hot
  • People who prefer beds with thicker-than-average profiles

Best for Heavyweight SleepersWinkBed Plus

Best for Heavyweight Sleepers – WinkBed Plus

Highlights

  • Firm (8)
  • Designed for heavyweight sleepers
  • Superb edge support
  • Lifetime warranty
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Best for Heavyweight SleepersWinkBed Plus

winkbeds.com

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It comes as no surprise that the WinkBed Plus is a standout mattress in for heavyweight sleepers — after all, it was designed specifically for people who weigh more than 230 pounds. It makes use of reliable materials to provide meaningful support and top-end performance for higher weight people in any sleeping position.

The WinkBed Plus has a 14.5” profile, making it taller than most mattresses. Its internal construction includes a support core of 7.5” of pocketed innerspring coils that rest on a 2” layer of high-density polyfoam. These coils provide a strong and stable base for the mattress while contributing the first element of responsiveness in the bed.

The comfort system is a 1” layer of gel-infused polyfoam, a 2.5” layer of latex, and a cotton lumbar pad. The polyfoam has notable contouring to provide padding at pressure points, and the latex layer furthers the responsiveness while holding strong against excessive sinking into the mattress. This resilience makes it easier to move on the mattress, an especially important feature for combination sleepers who are often moving in the night.

The Firm feel (8) provides a balanced feel that is comfortable in any sleeping position. All of the layers contribute to exceptional edge support, the lack of which can be a problem for heavyweight sleepers on other mattresses. The WinkBed Plus keeps cool as all of the materials effectively resist heat retention.

WinkBeds offers free shipping and a 120-night sleep trial. A lifetime warranty demonstrates the company’s confidence in the mattress design and materials and offers purchase protection in the event that any defect arises in the future.

Good for:

  • People who often sit or lie near the edge of the bed
  • Those who prefer a higher-profile mattress
  • Heavier sleepers in any sleeping position

Buying Guide – How to Shop for Mattresses as a Combination Sleeper

The term ‘combination sleeper’ refers to anyone who regularly sleeps in more than one side, back, and/or stomach position during the course of a single night. Most people are technically combination sleepers, even if they largely prefer one specific position over other options.

Combination sleeping is not technically ‘correct,’ nor is is ‘better’ than singular sleep positions. The health benefits of combination sleeping largely depend on the sleeper’s unique routine, although exercising multiple positions can improve blood circulation and minimize the risk of limb numbness.

Finding a mattress that provides adequate support regardless of sleep position can be a tricky undertaking. This guide will look at some important mattress considerations for combination sleepers.

What You Need to Know about Combination Sleeping

Spinal alignment is a key factor for combination sleepers. Whether they are sleeping on their side, back, or stomach, the spine should be aligned with the shoulders and pelvis. Spinal misalignment can cause pressure points to develop all over the body, particularly in the neck, shoulders, lower back, and hips. Here are some factors to keep in mind about spinal alignment in different sleep positions:

  • Side sleeping is the most popular sleep position, and is widely preferred among people with back pain and pregnant women. This is because sleeping with your hips and shoulders on a supportive sleep surface can align the spine and help alleviate pressure points. People who snore and/or experience acid reflux symptoms also tend to sleep better on their sides because this position provides the best air circulation in breathing passages. However, side sleeping can cause facial wrinkles to develop more quickly. Additionally, side sleeping may require additional pillows between the knees and under the legs in order to be sufficiently comfortable.
  • Back sleeping, like side sleeping, promotes natural spinal alignment. However, people with larger, heavier stomachs — including pregnant women — may develop lower back or hip pain due to uneven weight distribution on top of their midsection. Back sleeping is also associated with more snoring, and it may exacerbate acid reflux symptoms.
  • Stomach sleeping is generally not recommended because of the high potential for pain and discomfort. Because we tend to carry a high concentration of weight in our midsections, stomach sleeping can cause strain on the spine and lower back when this weight pulls the rest of the body toward the mattress. Additionally, most stomach sleepers crane their heads to the left or right, which can cause neck aches.

If a combination sleeper develops aches and pains during the night, this may be the result of either sleeping in a position that leads to discomfort or using a mattress that does not provide adequate support in any position. It’s important to note that some mattresses are specifically designed to accommodate sleepers in singular positions. These models may not be suitable for combination sleepers.

Choosing the Best Mattress for Combination Sleeping

back sleeping spine alignment
Because spinal alignment is so important to combination sleepers, support should be one of their first considerations when selecting a new mattress. Support refers to the mattress’s ability to provide a flat, even surface that conforms in certain areas to properly align the spine. Unsupportive mattresses, either too firm or not firm enough, have uneven surfaces that lead to misalignment.

Mattress firmness is assigned on a scale of 1 to 10, with ‘1’ being the least firm and ’10’ being the firmest. Most mattresses sold today fall between a ‘3,’ or ‘Soft,’ and an ‘8,’ or ‘Extra Firm.’ The right firmness for a given sleeper will largely depend on his or her weight. Those in the average weight group — 130 to 230 pounds — tend to prefer mattresses that offer a balance of softness and firmness, but preferences differ for those weighing less than 130 pounds or more than 230 pounds.

The table below illustrates optimal firmness settings for combination sleepers in all three weight groups.

The diagram below lists the optimal firmness settings for combination sleepers in all three weight groups.

Which Mattresses Are Best/Worst for Combination Sleepers?

In addition to spinal alignment and suitable firmness, combination sleepers should also take the material composition of a mattress into consideration. Some mattress types conform closer and alleviate more pain and pressure than others. Additionally, material composition can affect other factors such as odor and noise potential, durability, sleep temperature, and price-point.

The table below lists key similarities and differences between the five most common mattress types, including average prices and customer satisfaction ratings.

Combination Sleepers FAQ

  • What's the best type of mattress for combination sleepers?

    The most important consideration when choosing a mattress as a combination sleeper is to make sure that it’s supportive and comfortable regardless of which position you’re in. Mattresses made of foam and latex tend to provide the conforming and pressure relief needed for proper spinal alignment across all sleep positions. These types of beds also isolate motion well and make little to no noise when bearing weight, which is beneficial for combination sleepers who share the bed with another person.

  • Which types of mattresses should combination sleepers avoid?

    Innerspring mattresses often do not provide enough conforming or pressure relief for combination sleepers to be comfortable in each position. Due to the springs in these beds, they are also prone to making noise and transferring motion when sleepers change position, which could be disruptive for light sleepers.

  • What's the ideal mattress firmness for a combination sleeper?

    This depends largely on an individual’s body weight and personal preferences. Those weighing under 130 pounds tend to prefer beds in the Soft (3) to Medium Soft (4) range, while sleepers who weigh between 130 and 230 pounds often find mattresses in the Medium (5) to Medium Firm (6) range the most comfortable. Heavier sleepers (over 230 pounds) often find the best support with mattresses that fall into the Firm (7) category or above.

  • What are the benefits of being a combination sleeper?

    The health benefits of combination sleeping vary depending on the individual’s specific routine, but changing positions frequently throughout the night can improve circulation and avoid limb numbness. It can also be beneficial for people who snore heavily.

Tips for Buying a Mattress

Once you have selected the mattress type that best meets your needs, here are some tips for ordering and purchasing your new bed:

Compare Prices and Calculate a Budget

The average mattress costs $1,000 or more, but individual models may be priced anywhere from less than $100 to more than $5,000. Use the mattress type you’ve chosen to determine a feasible price range, and then determine your personal budget.

Be sure to leave some wiggle room if you live in a remote location or outside the contiguous U.S., as extra shipping charges may apply. These costs can amount to hundreds of dollars on top of the purchase price.

Research Sleep Trials

Most mattress brands and retailers offer a ‘sleep trial,’ which enables purchasers to test out the mattress for a certain length of time (typically 90 nights or more). If they are dissatisfied with the bed before the trial period expires, then they will be eligible for a full or partial refund.

Sleep trials can be helpful, but also costly for those who don’t read the fine print. Some trials include a mandatory break-in period (usually 30 nights). Buyers will not be able to return the mattress for a full refund until the break-in period has elapsed. Additionally, the sleep trial may include costly return fees.

Read the Fine Print on the Product Warranty

With few exceptions, mattresses sold today come with a 10-year warranty against excessive indentations in the sleep surface, manufacturing flaws, and other defects. However, these defects do not include normal wear and tear or physical damage (such as mold infestation or liquid stains).

Also, be sure to ask about the length of nonprorated coverage. During nonprorated coverage, owners may have their defective mattress repaired or replaced at little (if no) extra charge. When prorated coverage kicks in, the owner must pay a percentage of the original price in order to have the mattress repaired or replaced — and this percentage often rises with each successive year.

Read the warranty top to bottom. Many mattress warranties spanning 10 years or longer only offer one to two years of nonprorated coverage.

For more information about beds, sleep products, and positions, check out the following guides.

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