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Best Mattresses for Pregnancy – Our Picks and Buyer’s Guide

Written by Tuck Staff

Quick Overview

Sleep disruption for pregnant women is all but guaranteed, and many require extra support and cushioning for their bodies during the night. As their bodies grow and expand to accommodate their unborn child, they face a myriad of physical issues, from nausea and cramps to chronic pain throughout their bodies. With the right mattress, pregnant women can help relieve the physical demands of pregnancy and enjoy a more comfortable night’s sleep.

There are several factors for pregnant women to consider when selecting a new mattress. One important variable is conforming ability; the ideal mattress will hug the body closely to help align the sleeper’s spine and alleviate aches and pains.

Temperature neutrality is also key, since many pregnant women sleep hotter than normal; a bed that absorbs minimal body heat and sleeps fairly cool feels much more comfortable. Finally, mattresses that isolate motion well and produce minimal noise can be beneficial for couples, since pregnancy often leads to frequent nighttime bathroom trips.

Read on to see our mattress recommendations for pregnant women, including our picks for the top six mattresses sold today. Our choices are based on verified owner and customer experiences, as well as intensive product research and analysis.

Best Mattresses for Pregnancy
First Time Buying a Mattress During Pregnancy?

Hop down to our Buyer’s Guide for a crash course on finding the best mattress for pregnancy, plus strategies for sleeping better while pregnant.

 

The Best Mattresses for Pregnant Women – Reviewed

Best OverallLoom & Leaf

Best Overall – Loom & Leaf

Highlights

  • Multiple firmness options (5.5, 8)
  • 365-night sleep trial
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Excellent motion isolation and conforming
  • Free White Glove delivery
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Best OverallLoom & Leaf

saatva.com

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The Loom & Leaf by Saatva is a memory foam mattress that conforms closely to pregnant sleepers. Comfort layers of gel memory foam and standard memory foam provide ample softness, and a layer of foam quilted into the organic cotton cover offers extra cushioning.

A high-density polyfoam base layer also helps the bed maintain an even, supportive surface with minimal sagging in the center. This can help reduce back pain and pressure points for pregnant women.

The Loom & Leaf is available in two firmness options, ‘Medium’ (5.5 on the 1-10 firmness scale) and ‘Firm’ (8), to accommodate pregnant women with different body types and feel preferences. The cotton cover allows the bed to sleep noticeably cooler than most all-foam mattresses, while the sleep surface absorbs and isolates motion transfer very well. The mattress is also virtually silent when bearing weight.

Like other mattresses from Saatva, the Loom & Leaf qualifies for free White Glove delivery in the contiguous U.S. This service includes in-home mattress assembly and old mattress removal; most competing manufacturers charge customers an extra fee of at least $100 for White Glove delivery. The Loom & Leaf is also backed by a 365-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty, both of which are longer than average.

The Bottom Line.

The construction of the Loom & Leaf offers an optimal sleep experience for pregnant women, relieving aches and pains with soft layers of memory foam, and cooling hot flashes with gel foam and organic cotton. With a high-density base and multiple firmness settings, the Loom & Leaf ensures long-lasting, comfortable support during pregnancy and beyond for a wide range of sleepers.

  • Side and back sleepers. Thick layers of memory foam cushion and relieve pressure points, while the polyfoam base layer resists too much sinkage.
  • Pregnant women in all weight groups (light, average, heavy). The ‘Medium’ is most supportive for sleepers of 230 pounds or less, while the ‘Firm’ is recommended for heavier sleepers over 230 pounds.
  • Couples. The memory foam construction absorbs movement extremely well, reducing sleep disruptions during the night when a partner moves or gets out of bed.
  • Those who normally sleep hot on foam beds. The breathable cotton cover and top layer of gel-infused memory foam regulate the mattress surface temperature, providing a cooler sleep experience than typically experienced on an all-foam bed.

Not Recommended for:

  • Very hot sleepers. While the Loom & Leaf sleeps cooler than comparable foam models, it will still retain body heat to a certain extent.
  • Those looking for strong edge support. Like many foam beds, the Loom & Leaf only offers average edge support, so those who sleep close to the edges may experience some roll-off.

Best ValueNectar Mattress

Best Value – Nectar Mattress

Highlights

  • 'Medium Firm' (6)
  • 365-night sleep trial
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Close conforming and pressure relief
  • Sleeps cooler than most foam models
Read Our Full Review
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Best ValueNectar Mattress

nectarsleep.com

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A mattress with a below-average price-point does not necessarily indicate low quality. The Nectar Mattress is a prime example.

Though the mattress costs much less than the average memory foam model, it is constructed with a memory foam comfort layer that conforms without sinking excessively to alleviate tension and align the spine, while the high-density polyfoam base also contains two individual layers for added sleeper and edge support. The mattress is ‘Medium Firm’ (6), making it suitable for most pregnant women regardless of their weight.

Like other all-foam beds, the Nectar also absorbs and isolates motion transfer very well, and does not make any noise when bearing weight. It also sleeps noticeably cooler than most other all-foam mattresses, due in part to its top layer of gel-infused memory foam and a breathable cover made from cotton and lyocell fabric. It is relatively lightweight and easy to move and rotate, as well.

Nectar offers free mattress shipping anywhere in the U.S., as well as White Glove delivery at an additional charge. The mattress is backed by a 365-night sleep trial, which is one of the longest trial periods available anywhere, along with a 10-year warranty.

The Bottom Line.

The Nectar is a favorite mattress among value seekers, thanks to its quality construction, comforting pressure relief, and low price-point. Plus, the Nectar comes in a ‘Medium Firm’ feel, one of the most popular mattress firmness settings that accommodates most sleep positions and body weights.

  • Side and back sleepers. Two foam comfort layers relieve pressure points, while the base polyfoam layer provides stabilizing support and prevents sagging.
  • Pregnant women in the average and heavy weight groups. The ‘Medium Firm’ feel of the Nectar mattress is most comfortable for sleepers who weigh 130 pounds or more.
  • Couples. An all-foam construction ensures a virtually silent sleep surface, reducing sleep disruptions from a sleep partner moving or shifting positions.
  • Those who tend to sleep hot on all-foam beds. The Nectar maintains a cool sleep surface, due to the gel infusion in the top comfort layer and the cotton blend cover.

Not Recommended for:

  • Lightweight sleepers. The mattress may feel too firm for those who weigh less than 130 pounds.
  • Shoppers who want to be able to return their mattress quickly if they don’t love it. The 365-night sleep trial includes a mandatory 30-day break-in period.

Best LuxuryBirch Luxe

Best Luxury – Birch Luxe

Highlights

  • Medium firm (6)
  • 100-night sleep trial
  • 25-year warranty
  • Sleeps cool
  • Quilted Euro-top
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Best LuxuryBirch Luxe

birchliving.com

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The Birch Luxe is a meticulously crafted hybrid mattress made with various natural and organic materials. The medium firm (6) feel is a good fit for pregnant women who are looking for a mattress that will support their growing weight but also conform to their body to prevent pressure buildup.

The mattress begins with a plush quilted Euro-top followed by several layers of wool and cashmere. These layers together provide a nice, plush surface that cushions the body comfortably. Beneath is a layer of proprietary Pulse latex, which offers pressure relief but is firm enough to keep your body from sinking deep into the bed. The coil system offers a similar balance of contouring and support.

Pregnant women will appreciate the natural cooling features of the Birch Luxe, including the air circulation in the coil system and natural breathability of latex. The wool layers also wick moisture away from your body to help keep you cool and dry.

Birch offers a 100-night sleep trial and 25-year warranty. Shipping is free to all 50 states.

The Bottom Line.

The Birch Luxe’s design is well-suited for pregnant women, providing ample cushion to relieve nightly aches while also ensuring support as the body grows in weight. The cooling features will help ensure a comfortable sleeping surface for pregnant women who sleep hot.

  • Side and back sleepers. The latex and coil construction provide sufficient firmness to support these sleep positions, while also offering cushion for pressure points like the hips, shoulders, and spine.
  • Eco-conscious shoppers. The cashmere and cotton are GOTS-certified and the natural latex has certifications from GREENGUARD Gold and eco-INSTITUT.
  • Hot sleepers. Naturally breathable latex helps keep this bed cool, along with air circulation in the coil system.
  • Those who need strong edge support. As your body grows during pregnancy, a mattress with strong edges will make it easier to get in and out of bed.

Not Recommended for:

  • People who wake easily at night. Since latex does not absorb motion as well as foam, you are likely to feel a sleep partner’s movements at night.
  • Side sleepers under 130 pounds. While the Birch Luxe offers good contouring, side sleepers under 130 pounds may find it does not provide enough contouring to relieve painful pressure buildup.

Best for Lightweight SleepersBear Mattress

Best for Lightweight Sleepers – Bear Mattress

Highlights

  • 'Firm' (7)
  • 120-night sleep trial
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Close conforming and good motion isolation
  • Celliant cover promotes physical recovery
Read Our Full Review
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Best for Lightweight SleepersBear Mattress

bearmattress.com

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Many women experience aches and pains throughout their pregnancy, particularly during the first and third trimesters. Poor circulation and hot flashes are also common.

Bear addresses all of these issues with its flagship memory foam mattress, which features a cover made from Celliant fabric. This innovative material absorbs body heat from sleepers, converts it to infrared energy, and transmits it back into the sleeper. This process can improve bloodflow, alleviate discomfort, and aid physical recovery after strenuous activities.

Celliant also provides extra cooling; as a result, the Bear Mattress offers great temperature neutrality compared to other all-foam beds. The mattress is ‘Firm’ (7), which is optimal for most pregnant women in their second and third trimesters. Comfort layers of memory foam and polyfoam provide moderate yet consistent conforming that can be highly beneficial for side and back sleepers too.

Other benefits of the Bear Mattress include good motion isolation and no noise when bearing weight. The bed has a lower-than-average price-point, as well, and ships for free to all 50 states. It is backed by a 120-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty.

The Bottom Line.

With its advanced construction and ‘Firm’ feel, the Bear Mattress is a perfect mattress for pregnant women who weigh less than 230 pounds, as well as those who remain physically active through the duration of their pregnancy. The bed sleeps exceptionally cool, and is soft enough to provide a comforting balance of support and pressure relief.

  • Side and back sleepers. The Bear Mattress contours to the body without hugging too closely, providing a comfortable night’s sleep for side and back sleepers who enjoy a mix of conforming and support.
  • Women experiencing pregnancy aches and pains. The foam comfort layers relieve pressure points, but the Celliant technology takes things a step further, improving blood flow and physical recovery.
  • Physically active individuals. The premium pressure relief of the Bear Mattress and its energizing Celliant technology may make it easier to continue exercising during pregnancy.
  • Those with poor circulation. The Celliant fabric cover aims to increase tissue oxygenation and bloodflow, which may also improve sleep quality.

Not Recommended for:

  • Pregnant women who weigh more than 230 pounds. The Bear Mattress is built to support sleepers who weigh up to 230 pounds, and may result in sagging for those who weigh more than that.
  • Those who prefer a traditional memory foam feel. While the Bear Mattress does contour to the body, it doesn’t offer the pressure-relieving “hug” of some all-foam beds.

Best for Average Weight SleepersBrooklyn Bedding Signature

Best for Average Weight Sleepers – Brooklyn Bedding Signature

Highlights

  • Multiple firmness options (3, 6, 8)
  • 120-night sleep trial
  • 10-year warranty
  • Thick, pressure-relieving foam layers
  • Cool, breathable cover
Read Our Full Review
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Best for Average Weight SleepersBrooklyn Bedding Signature

brooklynbedding.com

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Pregnant women in the average weight group (130 to 230 pounds) – including many in their first and second trimesters – often prefer mattresses that offer moderate firmness with a balance of body conforming and sleeper support. However, some sleepers in this weight group may feel more comfortable on a firmer or softer bed instead.

The Brooklyn Bedding Signature is an ideal choice for average weight sleepers because it is available in three different settings: ‘Soft’ (3), ‘Medium Firm’ (6), and ‘Firm’ (8). This range should accommodate most sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds regardless of sleep position and other factors affecting firmness preference.

The Signature is constructed with gel-infused polyfoam and polyfoam comfort layers that provide consistent body conforming; the ‘Soft’ design will conform closely without sagging too much, which can be optimal for side sleepers with poor spinal alignment, while the firmer settings conform to a more moderate extent and may be more suitable for back and stomach sleepers.

The mattress also has a pocketed coil support core that reinforces the bed and prevents sagging and sinkage from developing in the sleep surface. Good airflow throughout the coils, as well as a breathable cotton cover, enables the Signature to sleep fairly cool, too, providing relief for pregnant women who experience hot flashes.

The Signature is a good value pick because its price-point is significantly lower than that of the average hybrid. Brooklyn Bedding offers free shipping to customers in the contiguous U.S. The mattress is backed by a 120-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.

The Bottom Line.

The hybrid construction of the Brooklyn Bedding Signature mattress provides a balance of comfort and support for pregnant women of average weight. The Signature offers more benefits to pregnant sleepers, as well, with its excellent temperature neutrality and motion isolation.

  • Every type of sleeper (side, back, stomach, combination). With three firmness settings to choose from, Brooklyn Bedding offers a bed for every type of sleeper with their Signature mattress.
  • Pregnant women with back pain. Several inches of polyfoam relieve pain and pressure in the lower back, while the pocketed coil core provides stable support, preventing further strain.
  • Hot sleepers. The top four inches of the Signature mattress are infused with gel to cool down the surface temperature, aided by enhanced airflow in the pocketed coil layer.
  • Value seekers. The Signature has a much lower price-point than comparable hybrid models, and also comes with perks like free shipping and a 120-night sleep trial.

Not Recommended for:

  • Those who prefer a traditional memory foam feel. While the Signature offers a thick comfort system, it does not provide the same level of highly conforming pressure relief that you’ll find with an all-foam bed.
  • Shoppers who want to be able to return their mattress quickly if they don’t love it. The 120-night sleep trial includes a mandatory 30-night break-in period.

Best for Heavyweight SleepersLuxury Firm WinkBed

Best for Heavyweight Sleepers – Luxury Firm WinkBed

Highlights

  • ’Medium Firm’ (6)
  • 120-night sleep trial
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Good motion isolation
  • Close conforming and pressure relief
Read Our Full Review
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Best for Heavyweight SleepersLuxury Firm WinkBed

winkbeds.com

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Pregnant women typically reach their heaviest weight during the third trimester, immediately prior to childbirth. These sleepers – like other people in the above-average weight group – often prefer mattresses that are firmer and more supportive; beds that conform too closely may sink excessively, leading to an uneven sleep surface.

A solid pick for pregnant women in this weight group is the Luxury Firm WinkBed, a sturdy hybrid with a medium firm (6) feel. The bed is constructed with a Euro-top quilted with gel-infused polyfoam. This gives the surface a plush feel to relieve pressure, and the gel infusion is meant to reduce heat buildup. Underneath is proprietary SupportCell polyfoam, a denser foam that reduces sinkage. Both of these layers help evenly distribute weight and promote spinal alignment.

The support core features zoned pocketed coils with thicker coils zoned along the perimeter for exceptional support and reinforcement. The coils promote airflow through the support layer, which, combined with the gel memory foam layer, help ensure a cooler overall surface temperature for the mattress. A breathable and moisture-wicking Tencel cover encases the mattress.

Free shipping is available to WinkBed customers across the contiguous U.S., and White Glove delivery – including in-home assembly and old mattress removal – is offered for an additional charge. The Luxury Firm WinkBed is backed by a 120-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty, both of which are longer than average.

The Bottom Line.

The Luxury Firm WinkBed’s thick comfort layers and sturdy support system ensure exceptional support for heavier sleepers and pregnant women in the later trimesters.

  • Back and stomach sleepers. The mattress’s medium firm (6) feel best suits back and stomach sleepers who weigh up to 230 pounds.
  • Pregnant women with back pain. The Luxury Firm WinkBed provides just the right amount of “give” for back pain sufferers, offering relief while promoting healthy spinal alignment.
  • Couples. The Luxury Firm WinkBed’s coil layer makes it responsive enough for sex, but foam layers still minimize motion transfer to a decent extent, reducing sleep disruptions during the night.
  • Those who tend to sleep hot. The pocketed coil core, gel memory foam layer, and breathable Tencel cover all help neutralize the surface temperature of the WinkBed.

Not Recommended for:

  • Lightweight sleepers. The Luxury Firm WinkBed may feel too firm to be comfortable for sleepers who weigh under 130 pounds.
  • Shoppers who want to be able to return their mattress quickly if they don’t love it. The 120-night sleep trial includes a mandatory 30-night break-in period.

Best Mattresses for Pregnancy Buyer's Guide

Pregnant women face sleep difficulties during all three trimesters of their pregnancy. For most women, the first and third trimesters are particularly rough; both periods are characterized by chronic discomfort and frequent nighttime urination. The period after childbirth, known as the postpartum period, is also challenging due to the constant needs of newborn babies — often in the middle of the night.

Pregnant women can optimize their sleep by selecting a mattress that accommodates their various needs from the first trimester to the postpartum period. Mattress comfort and support are essential, and many expecting couples benefit from quiet mattresses that isolate noise and motion transfer during nighttime trips to the bathroom, or the baby’s room after childbirth has taken place.

This guide will look at some important factors to keep in mind when shopping for a mattress that will be used during pregnancy, as well as tips and strategies for sleeping better while pregnant.

Choosing the Best Mattress for Pregnancy: Important Factors to Consider

Let’s start by reviewing some mattress characteristics that can positively or negatively affect a pregnant woman’s sleep experience.

  • Thickness

    The best mattress thickness often comes down to personal preference, but many pregnant women prefer thicker, higher-profile mattresses because they are easier to sit down on and get up from than thinner, lower-profile beds.

  • Support

    In the mattress industry, ‘support’ refers to a bed’s ability to provide a flat, even sleep surface for someone. Supportive mattresses help align the spine, and can alleviate aches and pains in the neck, shoulders, lower back, hips, and other sensitive areas.

    Unsupportive mattresses usually sag in places where the greatest amounts of weight are centered; for pregnant women, this usually means the midsection. Sagging of one inch or more is associated with higher levels of discomfort; ‘sagging depth’ can be used to select a mattress with the best warranty coverage (we cover this in our ‘Mattress Shopping Tips’ section below).

  • Conforming

    Conforming ability refers to how closely a mattress contours to the sleeper’s profile and provides equal support and pressure relief to all areas of the body. Some mattresses, especially all-foam beds and those with thick layers of memory foam, conform closely and create a sense of sleeping “in” the mattress.

    Others offer less conforming. For pregnant women, this can result in reduced support or pressure relief due to gaps or spaces in the surface. These gaps can cause feelings of discomfort, and create more pressure.

  • Firmness

    Firmness refers to how soft or firm the mattress surface feels to each individual sleeper. Mattresses that are too soft or too firm may also be unsupportive to certain pregnant women based on their body weight and sleep position. Most physicians encourage pregnant women to sleep on their side; this removes some pressure from their midsection, which can create a more comfortable sleeping experience.

    Pregnant women who sleep on their side and weigh less than 150 pounds often feel more comfortable on softer mattresses because they sink deeper and experience more pain and pressure relief. These mattresses will have descriptions like ‘Soft,’ ‘Plush,’ or ‘Medium Soft,’ and rate around a 5 or below on a 1-to-10 firmness scale. Of our mattress picks, these include the Loom & Leaf (5.5), Birch Luxe (6), The WinkBed (4.5), or Brooklyn Bedding Signature (3).

    Those who weigh more than 250 pounds may prefer a firmer mattress because they sink too deeply on softer surfaces. Good choices include mattresses described as ‘Firm’ with a rating of 7 or above, such as the The WinkBed (7.5), Loom & Leaf (8), or Brooklyn Bedding Signature (8).

    Pregnant women of average weight (between 150 and 250 pounds) will prefer medium or medium-firm mattresses with ratings around 5.5 to 6.5 on the 1-to-10 scale. Of our best mattress picks for pregnancy, these include the Nectar (6), Brooklyn Bedding Signature (6), Bear Mattress (6.5), or The WinkBed (6.5).

    Some mattresses sold today are available with multiple firmness options; additionally, flippable and dual-firmness models offer multiple firmness options in one design. Other mattresses, on the other hand, are only available in one firmness. These can be more limiting to customers with different firmness preferences.

  • Durability

    The average mattress will perform for six to seven years. However, some mattresses are prone to early sagging, and may begin to develop indentations after as few as one to two years. Others typically perform for eight years or more without issue.

  • Temperature Neutrality

    Sleeping hot is a common complaint among pregnant women, often due to their increased metabolic rate and potential for pregnancy hot flashes. They will usually prefer a cooler sleep surface that does not retain much body heat and sleeps at a comfortable temperature. Some mattresses absorb more body heat than others, and sleep warm or hot as a result.

    Unfortunately, the types of mattresses most prone to trapping body heat also tend to offer the highest levels of conforming and pressure relief, two qualities that make sleeping more comfortable for pregnant women. These include memory foam and hybrid mattresses.

    Fortunately, some mattress brands take care to counteract this heat potential, by using more breathable materials in their mattress covers, and infusing the upper comfort layers with cooling materials like graphite or gel. For example, the Loom & Leaf, Nectar, and Bear mattresses all use gel-infused memory foam.

    Hybrid mattresses, like the Brooklyn Bedding Signature and The WinkBed, tend to sleep cooler than all-foam beds due to their pocketed coil cores, which promote better airflow throughout the mattress. In addition, both of these mattresses also use gel in their comfort layers to further neutralize the surface temperature.

    Pregnant women whose chief concern is temperature neutrality may want to choose a hybrid bed over an all-foam model. Alternately, they can opt for a mattress with a higher firmer rating (although these beds will offer less conforming as a result).

  • Motion Isolation

    Motion transfer occurs whenever someone shifts positions in bed or gets up from or onto the mattress. Many older mattresses do not absorb motion very much, and transfer can be felt across the entire sleep surface. Some newer models are designed to isolate and minimize transfer; this can reduce nighttime disruptions for pregnant or postpartum couples whenever someone gets up in the middle of the night.

    The quietest beds tend to be all-foam models. Although, the hybrid models we’ve recommended above also offer above-average motion isolation.

  • Noise

    Mattresses with internal components — such as springs or electric air chambers — tend to produce some noise when they are bearing weight. Mattresses made of solid foam or latex layers are virtually silent by comparison.

  • Edge Support

    Mattresses that are reinforced around the edges can reduce sinkage, which occurs in areas where people sit along the perimeter of the bed when sitting down or standing up. Mattresses that are not reinforced may begin to sink after a couple of years.

    Sleepers will enjoy better edge support with the hybrid models on our list, including the Brooklyn Bedding Signature and The WinkBed.

  • Price

    Most mattresses represent a significant investment for pregnant couples, but some are considerably less expensive than others. Mattress type is usually the deciding factor when it comes to price-point. All-foam and innerspring models tend to be more affordable, while hybrid, latex, and airbeds tend to be more expensive.

The table below rates the five most common mattress types based on the performance factors described above.

Mattress Shopping Tips for Pregnant Women

Here are a few important factors for pregnant women to keep in mind when shopping for a new mattress and comparing different brands and models.

  • Dual Firmness

    Many couples have different preferences when it comes to mattress firmness, and a woman who shares the same preference as her sleep partner may feel differently during her pregnancy.

    A dual-firmness mattress can be quite beneficial in these situations. These models are designed with a lengthwise split down the middle of the mattress, and a different firmness on each side. Additionally, many airbeds provide customizable dual firmness.

  • Financing

    Expecting a child can put a strain on a couple’s personal finances, and purchasing a new mattress many not be a reasonable investment. Rather than paying a lump sum, many mattress brands and retailers allow customers to pay back their mattress through monthly financing.

  • White Glove Delivery

    Carrying a mattress inside one’s house and assembling it alone can be a difficult undertaking for anyone, but this process may be downright impossible for a pregnant woman.

    For an additional fee (typically $100), some mattress brands offer White Glove delivery; company personnel will bring the mattress into the customer’s home, completely assemble it, and remove all packaging waste. For another $30 to $50, the mattress brand may also remove the customer’s old mattress.

    Please note that a limited number of mattress brands offer these services, and customers who require White Glove delivery and/or old mattress removal should inquire before finalizing their purchase. Our Editor’s Pick, the Loom & Leaf, offers free White Glove delivery. The Nectar and The WinkBed offer it for an additional fee.

  • Sleep Trial

    Most mattress brands and retailers offer a sleep trial to mattress customers. During the sleep trial, the purchaser may test out the mattress in their home and, if not satisfied, return it for a full or partial refund.

    Sleep trials may last anywhere from 30 to 365 nights, depending on the brand, and they may or may not include a mandatory break-in period of 30 nights before the customer is eligible for a refund. All of our mattress picks offer sleep trials of 100 nights or more.

    Sleep trials are most helpful for customers who aren’t sure which mattress type, brand, or model they want.

  • Warranty Coverage

    The mattress warranty is an important consideration because it may lead to additional costs down the road. A mattress warranty guarantees that the manufacturer will repair or replace a defective mattress.

    These defects typically include sagging that reaches a minimum depth. Some warranties will cover sagging that measure one half to three-quarters of an inch (1/2 to 3/4 inches), while others will not cover sagging unless it reaches one and a half inches (1.5 inches deep). This is important for pregnant women because sagging of one inch or more can cause significant discomfort and pressure.

    In addition to sagging depth, mattress purchasers should also check the warranty to determine how much nonprorated coverage is offered. Nonprorated coverage means that the customer will not need to pay anything to have the mattress repaired or replaced, except for shipping and handling costs in some instances.

    Prorated coverage, on the other hand, means that the customer must pay a certain percentage of the original mattress price to have it replaced. The prorated charges typically increase with each year of ownership.

    For instance, let’s say a 20-year mattress warranty offers 10 years of nonprorated coverage and 10 years of prorated coverage beginning at 50%. For the first 10 years, owners can have their defective mattress repaired or replaced for free (unless shipping and handling charges apply). Then, in year 11, the owner must pay 50% of the original price to have the mattress replaced. In year 12, they must pay 55%, and 60% in year 13, and so on until the warranty expires.

    Bottom line: a warranty that offers at least 10 years of nonprorated coverage is usually more than enough coverage, considering most mattresses perform for eight years or less. All of our top mattress picks for pregnant women offer warranties of 10 years or longer.

Pillows & Sleep Accessories for Pregnant Women

Choosing the right mattress can make a world of difference to the sleep experience for a pregnant woman. Next, let’s look at two sleep accessories — pillows and toppers — that can also affect sleep for pregnant women.

Pillows

Like mattresses, pillows are designed to provide optimal support and comfort for sleepers — but rather than the entire body, pillows target the head, neck, and shoulders. The most important factor when choosing the right pillow is ‘loft,’ or thickness. Pillows that are not the right loft may cause discomfort and pressure buildup.

‘High-loft’ pillows are thicker than five inches (5″), ‘medium-loft’ pillows are three to five inches (3″ to 5″) thick, and low-loft pillows are thinner than three inches (3″). When determining the right loft, it’s important to keep these four factors in mind:

  • Head size: Women with larger-than-average heads often feel most comfortable on high-loft pillows because they provide more support and extra cushioning. Likewise, those with smaller-than-average heads usually prefer low-loft pillows.
  • Body weight: People who weigh more typically require less loft and prefer thinner pillows, while those who weigh less usually feel most comfortable on thicker, high-loft pillows. It’s important to keep in mind that most pregnant women gain at least 20 pounds over the course of their three trimesters, and this may affect their pillow loft preferences.
  • Shoulder length: Women with broader shoulders may need higher-loft pillows for adequate support, but those with narrower shoulders may feel comfortable on lower-loft pillows.
  • Mattress firmness: Low-loft pillows tend to work best with softer mattresses because the pillow creates less of a barrier between the sleeper’s body and the mattress surface. By the same reasoning, high-loft pillows provide more cushioning and comfort when used with firmer mattresses that do not sink as deeply.

The table below provides a detailed breakdown of the three general pillow loft categories.

In addition to loft, pillow shoppers should also consider the material composition. Some pillow materials — including buckwheat, latex, and memory foam — offer better support, comfort, and durability, but they also tend to be the most expensive options. Pillow types with lower price-points, such as down alternative and polyester, cannot deliver the same levels of support or comfort, and also tend to wear out faster.

For more information, please check out our Best Pillows — Buying Guide and Information page.

Toppers

The term ‘mattress topper’ refers to an extra layer of cushioning, usually between 1 to 3 inches, that is placed on top of the mattress to adjust the firmness and comfort levels, and also provide better support. Toppers usually make a mattress feel less firm, though some models may increase the firmness instead.

Mattress toppers can be an ideal solution for pregnant women whose firmness preferences may change after childbirth, and need a temporary adjustment to their current mattress. They’re also helpful for couples with partners who have different sleep preferences. Some mattress toppers are sized for one side of the mattress, and can effectively turn any mattress into a dual-firmness mattress.

Like pillows, toppers can be made from different materials — and this is arguably the most important factor when comparing topper options. Toppers made of materials like latex, memory foam, and wool have above-average durability, produce little to no noise, isolate motion, and tend to perform for several years. They are also priced higher than other toppers.

Alternatively, toppers made of materials like feathers or polyester are much cheaper — but performance ratings are not as favorable.

For more information about mattress toppers, please visit our Best Mattress Toppers guide.

Adjustable Beds

The term ‘adjustable bed’ refers to a bed base that allows sleepers to adjust the angle of the bed; they can be raised or lowered at the head, and some models also raise and lower the feet. Adjustable beds have traditionally featured manual controls, but today’s models are mostly programmable using remote controls and/or wireless apps.

For many pregnant women, an adjustable bed offers the most optimal sleeping experience because it allows them to sleep at virtually any angle that feels the most comfortable. This may help reduce aches and pains, particularly in the first and third trimesters. Some adjustable beds also come with ‘anti-snore’ presets that elevate the head to an angle that helps prevent snoring; this can be useful for pregnant women who develop obstructive sleep apnea.

Most adjustable beds support anywhere between 600 and 800 pounds, making them suitable for most pregnant women and their sleep partners.

Cost is an issue with adjustable beds; most models cost at least $1,000, and some are priced at $3,000 or higher. For more information, please visit our Adjustable Bed Reviews page.

Better Sleep Tips and FAQ for Pregnant Women

  • How Can I Sleep Better During the First Trimester of Pregnancy?

    • Nap frequently: This can help women adjust to their rising progesterone levels. Catnaps in the mid-afternoon that do not exceed 30 minutes in length are considered most effective.
    • Exercise in the morning: Workouts in the morning can help women maintain a healthy sleep cycle; exercising in the evenings is not recommended as it can energize you too much before bed.
    • Avoid fluids before bed: Those who limit their fluid intake during the hours before bed can cut down on their frequent nighttime urination.
    • Eat salty snacks: Pretzels, nuts, and other salty foods can help cut down on morning sickness.
  • How Can I Sleep Better During the Second Trimester of Pregnancy?

    • Stand or sit after eating: This will ease the digestion process and help cut down on heartburn. Additionally, avoid excessive consumption of spicy foods to mitigate heartburn.
    • Stretch both legs before bed: Light stretching can help prevent nocturnal leg cramps. If cramps occur during the night, lightly flex the leg or foot muscles.
    • Monitor your blood pressure: Increased blood pressure levels are often the first sign of preeclampsia. If they go up, women should immediately see their doctor.
  • How Can I Sleep Better During the Third Trimester of Pregnancy?

    • Sleep on the left side: For most pregnant women, this is the optimal sleep position during the third trimester because it shifts their stomach weight away from the body and allows them to rest without discomfort or pressure. This position also improves air circulation, and can help reduce the risk of sleep apnea.
    • Use extra pillows: In addition to one to two pillows beneath the head, place pregnancy pillows between the knees, behind the back, and underneath the stomach.
    • Reduce fluid intake: In addition to limiting liquids in the afternoon and evening, be sure to completely empty the bladder during the last urination of the day. This may cut down on — if not prevent — nighttime urination episodes.
    • Avoid iron-rich foods: This will help prevent nocturnal leg cramps and restless legs syndrome.
  • How Can I Sleep Better During the Postpartum Period?

    • Let your baby sleep in the same room: New parents are urged to invest in a crib or bassinet that can be installed near their bed. This will ease nighttime disruptions.
    • Breastfeed if possible: Breastfeeding triggers a hormone called prolactin that can help new mothers fall asleep more easily.
    • Alternate nighttime duties: Although nighttime disruptions are common, checking on the baby in shifts will result in more sleep per night for the new mother and her partner.
    • Consult a doctor if postpartum depression symptoms occur: These may include depression, mood shifts, loss of appetite, and difficulty concentrating.
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