Best Mattress for Sleep Apnea (2023): Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

If you experience daytime fatigue even after what you thought was a good night’s sleep, you may have sleep apnea. Waking up with a dry mouth or snoring are other classic symptoms. Simple lifestyle changes like a different sleeping position can help. That’s where your choice of mattress comes into play.

Some products work better than others for some sleeping positions, and it’s essential to find the best mattress for sleep apnea to help you get the rest you need. Sleeping problems can have long-term health effects, making the investment in a quality product a wise decision.

Our guide will lead you through your options so that you can take charge of your sleep and health.

Best Mattresses for Sleep Apnea

	Name	Highlights	Price (Queen)
	Amerisleep AS3	Designed to facilitate healthy side sleeping and prevent pain and other sleep disturbances.	$1399
	Zoma Mattress	Triangulex™ technology promotes a healthy spine and makes side sleeping easier.	$799
	Zoma Hybrid	Pocketed spring coil base ensures even weight distribution and prevents spinal misalignment	$999
	Vaya Mattress	Affordable mattress with a medium firmness and a natural bounce	$599
	Vaya Hybrid	Plush comfort layer and spring coil base provides a balance of compression and firmness	$699
	Viola	Designed to keep you cool, comfortable for side sleepers.	$1399
	Eight Sleep Smart Bed	Built to support side sleeping and comes with a sleep tracker to monitor your sleeping habits.	$1095
	Lull	Designed for pressure point relief, ideal for side sleepers.	$950
	Pure Green Natural Latex	Eco-friendly mattress for sleep apnea, ideal for green shoppers.	$795

The Amerisleep AS3 is an excellent memory foam mattress for sleep apnea sufferers because it combines an even mix of comfort and support to help you sleep on your side, a healthier sleep position for opening the airways and preventing symptoms of this disorder.

“Studies have shown that memory foam mattresses like the Amerisleep AS3 help evenly distribute body weight across the surface of the mattress which can help improve breathing quality,” notes Dr. Jordan Burns.

Amerisleep’s AS3 is medium in firmness and recommended for side, back, and combination sleepers. Stomach sleepers are most comfortable on firmer mattresses, so the AS3 might not be their best fit. All in all, the AS3 has three layers and stands 12 inches tall.

The first layer of the AS3 is 3 inches of pressure-relieving Bio-Pur® foam. When you lay on the AS3, this layer contours to your body and alleviates pressure. The best way to alleviate symptoms of sleep apnea is to sleep on your side, and this comfort layer is thick enough to allow for adequate cushioning under the shoulders and hips, but it isn’t so thick that it causes you to sink into the mattress too much— which is ideal for side sleepers.

Below the layer of memory foam is the Affinity layer with HIVE® technology. HIVE® works in tandem with Bio-Pur® above to make side sleeping easier. HIVE® offers firm support under your torso, head, and feet to promote healthy spinal alignment, but it’s softer under your shoulders and hips to allow for deep compression and prevent pressure points.

The third and last layer of the AS3 is 7 inches of sturdy Bio-Core® to give the bed structural support and prevent sagging.

“Around 22 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea. The Amerisleep AS3 mattress provides pressure-relieving support for side sleepers to breathe easier and better,” says Dr. Burns.

Every Amerisleep mattress comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a 20-year warranty.

The Zoma Mattress is a memory foam mattress with medium firmness. The bed contains gel-infused memory foams and Triangulex™ technology to promote healthy, sound sleep.

Another great mattress in a box designed to make side sleeping easier is the Zoma Mattress. It’s most comfortable for side and back sleepers, but not the best for stomach sleepers.

The Zoma Mattress is 12 inches tall and has three layers: 2 inches of gel-infused memory foam, 2 inches of Reactiv™, and 8 inches of Support+.

The first layer of this mattress is 2 inches of gel memory foam to contour to your body and dissipate heat. This comfort layer alleviates pressure while the gel inside dissipates body heat out of the mattress and offers a cooling sleep experience.

“Research has shown that cooler body temperatures help provide more comfort and improve overall quality of sleep which can help with sleep apnea,” says Dr. Burns.

Zoma also includes their Triangulex™ technology within this layer. Triangulex™ is a zoned support technology offering firmer support under your midsection and softer comfort under your shoulders and hips. Like HIVE®, Triangulex™ is ideal for facilitating comfortable side sleeping.

Next is a 2-inch layer of Reactiv™, a latex-like poly-foam. Reactiv™ is more responsive than memory foams, so it gives the bed a bit of bounce and prevents uncomfortable sinkage. Both Reactiv™ and Triangulex™ technology maintain neutral alignment and prevent you from sinking too far in the mattress.

Last, is this bed’s 8-inch base layer of durable poly-foam. Support+, as the name suggests, gives the bed extra support and prevents sagging.

Zoma is an online-only mattress company, so they offer a 100-night sleep trial with each of their beds. Plus, every Zoma Mattress is backed by a 10-year warranty.

SEE ALSO: Most Comfortable Mattress

In addition to their all-foam model, Zoma also offers a hybrid mattress. The Zoma Hybrid has the same gel memory foam comfort layer as their original mattress. However, the Zoma Hybrid has a pocketed spring coil base, which gives the bed a slight bounce back sleepers and heavier individually often prefer.

The gel infusion in the top layer of the Zoma Hybrid helps pull heat and moisture away from the surface, keeping sleepers cool throughout the night. In the hybrid model, the comfort foam is also perforated to increase airflow and cushion the joints to prevent pressure points.

Zoma’s responsive transition layer, Reactiv™, sits in the middle of the mattress to keep the hips lifted and aligned with the shoulders. This layer ensures your spine is always resting in a safe, neutral position.

In the base of the Zoma Hybrid, hundreds of pocketed spring coils mold to the body to keep body weight evenly distributed and alleviate muscle tension. Since these coils move separately from one another, rather than as a unit, they provide more accurate counting and less motion transfer.

Like Zoma’s original model, their hybrid comes with a 100-night sleep trial so sleepers can test it out and make sure the firmness level is correct. The mattress also comes with a 10-year warranty, covering sagging and indentations greater than 0.75 inches.

The Vaya Mattress is an affordable all-foam mattress with a medium firmness that works well for most sleep styles, including back, side, and combination sleeping.

“Mattresses like the Vaya mattress have been proven to be a supportive mattress for those looking to reduce back pressure and improve their quality of breathing,” Dr. Burns says.

The foam in the comfort layer of the Vaya contours to the body to promote instant relaxation. While this material cushions the joints, it also has a natural elasticity, which helps prevent excess sinking and spinal misalignment.

The base of the Vaya features their sturdy support foam. This foundation provides further protection against over sinking and guards against sagging.

The Vaya Mattress comes with a 10-year limited warranty covering manufacturing defects. They also provide a 100-night sleep trial period that gives you plenty of time to test out the mattress in the comfort of your own home.

SEE ALSO: The Best Place to Buy a Mattress & 7 In-Store Myths

With a plush comfort layer and a responsive spring coil base, this mattress provides the perfect level of comfort and support so those with sleep apnea can get a good night’s sleep.

The base of the Vaya features pocketed spring coils. Each coil is triple wrapped in a lightweight fabric for maximum comfort and breathability.

The independent movement of these coils also ensures close contouring and pressure relief. Plus, Vaya coils are quiet and have minimal motion transfer.

6. Voila Mattress

The Voila Mattress tackles the issues of temperature control and support with an eight-layer system that provides ample support against sagging. We liked the message of the manufacturer that they strive to make buying a new mattress as hassle-free as possible.

The design starts with its soft, flame-resistant cover followed by a combination gel layer for cooling. Next, a gel latex layer provides airflow with edge support foam, a fiber insulator pad, a 6.25-inch coil system for proper spinal alignment, the second part of the edge support foam, finished with its high-density support base. Despite the number of layers, the mattress is responsive to body movements while minimizing motion transfer. There are three firmness levels: plush, medium, and firm.

You can try out the mattress for 100-nights as part of their comfort guarantee, although the company encourages you to give it at least 30 days before making up your mind. If you decide to upgrade, you’ll have to pay the difference in shipping. Likewise, the terms consider a downgrade an even exchange. It has a 10-year, limited warranty.

7. Eight Sleep Smart Bed

The Eight Sleep Smart Bed is the only product of its type in our reviews. The mattress delivers not only comfort and support, but it also empowers you with information about your sleep quality. Its smart technology can help you make better decisions about managing your sleep apnea, which makes it worth a look.

The design consists of a sensor and three foam layers. The top one is the business end where the smart technology resides. Using its mobile app, you can track your respiratory rate, REM sleep, deep sleep, and 12 other metrics. That can help you identify patterns for making adjustments to improve your quality of rest. Under the cover, there is a responsive foam layer to support sleeping on your side, followed by a transition foam to minimize motion transfer, and a high-density support foam layer.

There is a 100-night, risk-free trial with free shipping and returns. Also, the manufacturer backs up their products with a 10-year limited warranty that covers defects. The smart-technology cover has a separate one-year warranty on the components. The language is straightforward and has common sense terms about normal wear-and-tear.

SEE ALSO: Most Comfortable Mattress

8. Lull Mattress

The Lull Mattress is one part of a complete sleeping system offered by the company, including either a metal or wood frame. It is a memory foam product complemented by a gel layer for optimal temperature control. It is an eco-friendly product with the certifications to match. Unlike comparable products, the construction is simpler with its proprietary technologies for comfort.

The mattress has three premium layers for relieving pressure points and minimizing motion transfer for a more restful night’s sleep. The top layer is a 1.5-inch gel memory foam to keep you comfortable. Next, there is a 1.5-inch foam-blend transition layer and a 7-inch polyurethane-foam foundation for additional support. It is CertiPUR-US-certified with other credentials from the Mattress Recycling Council and Sustainable Furnishing Council. The mattress works with any type of bed frame, including adjustable.

The manufacturer offers a hassle-free 100-night sleep trial with free pick-up and a full refund if you’re not satisfied with your purchase. You’ll also get a 10-year limited warranty against defects. The company will either repair or replace the mattress. The unique item we noticed was that you couldn’t return more than two products per household.

9. SleepOnLatex Pure Green Natural Latex Mattress

SleepOnLatex Purse Green Natural Latex Mattress stands out as an affordable product of its type. The emphasis is on the materials, which eco-conscious buyers will appreciate. The company also goes the extra mile with several certifications. While it is USA-made, the company outsources some materials overseas. It comes in three firmness levels: soft, medium, and firm.

The face of the mattress is organic cotton, which provides a soft surface on which to lay. Next, there is wool batting and cotton quilt backing for additional comfort. The product has two layers, starting with a 2-inch natural latex foam with a 6-inch latex foam base. Though not as thick as comparable products, the density and firmness of the materials deliver enough support with a bit of bounce. The surface is breathable to keep you cool and dry. Their certifications include ecoInstitut, Oeko-Tex, and Greenguard Gold.

The 10-year warranty is standard with the typical terms about wear-and-tear. There is free shipping on all orders. You have 100 nights to decide if it’s right for you. We liked the company’s emphasis on no questions asked for returns.

Mattress Types to Consider

Each kind has its pros and cons, especially when thinking about specific scenarios like sleep apnea. Doctors recommend certain sleeping positions over others to prevent the condition or alleviate the symptoms, with some offering better choices.

Memory Foam Mattresses

Memory foam mattresses offer several advantages for both comfort and support. They envelop the sleeper, providing both warm and contouring that relieves stress on pressure points. It can range from soft to firm, depending on the technology. The construction can prevent sagging to make your purchase a sound investment while stemming the dust mite and bed bug activity.

Latex Mattresses

Latex mattresses may raise red flags because of allergy concerns. Still, it is a viable solution that offers extra firmness, pressure relief, and bounce. It doesn’t retain as much heat, which is another advantage. However, these products are often expensive, putting it out of the ballpark for budget-minded buyers.

Innerspring Mattresses

Everyone has probably had the experience of sleeping on an innerspring mattress. Its main advantage is its affordability. However, that comes at a price since they don’t last as long as other products with modern-day materials. The premise is the same with individual coils replicating the support you’d get from a foam or latex mattress.

You’ll find a broad range of products, which gives you ample opportunity to find a mattress with the specific specs and features that you need.

Hybrid Mattresses

Hybrid mattresses borrow from the long history of these products to create something that effectively addresses the pros and cons. You’ll find a combination of layers using memory or gel technologies coupled with the stability and bounce of coils at the base. As you can guess, there is a myriad of variations on this theme, giving you numerous choices.

That means you can find models that manufacturers fine-tune for a specific sleep disorder like sleep apnea. The companies are well aware of the fact that they can create a loyal following if they can customize a product to a clear need.

Mattress Budget

We’ll start by saying that a mattress is worth the extra money you can invest in it. Don’t skimp. Also, make sure to try it out if you’re buying from a brick-and-mortar store or purchasing it directly from the manufacturer with a sleep trial period. We’d also suggest giving it a chance and not to rush into a snap decision.

That said, you can expect to spend at least $500 for a decent product. However, the more specialized it is as the best mattress for sleep apnea, the more you can expect to pay. You can justify the cost when you take into account the lifespan of a high-quality item. Some may last well over the typical seven-year longevity. When you do the math, you can feel better about putting the price in the background.

You’ll find many direct-to-customer companies that can offer quality products at affordable prices. Many have generous return policies and excellent warranties to protect your investment. These facts alone make them worth a look since they offer the best way to test-drive a product and see if it helps with your sleep apnea.

Sleeping Position

We all have our favorite sleeping positions. They may change with age or lifestyle changes. Suffice to say that it’s a vital factor in your sleep quality and comfort. Let’s consider how it affects your experience with sleep apnea.

Side Sleepers

Spine alignment is an essential factor for comfort. Sleeping on your side offers this advantage. The correct pillow choice is imperative for optimal comfort and to enjoy the benefits that this position provides. On the positive side, you won’t snore, which can disrupt your sleep and affect your mood and activity the following day. The best mattresses for side sleepers are medium in firmness to offer cushioning under the shoulders and hips as well as support for the spine.

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when your throat muscles relax and in turn, narrow your airways. The reduced oxygen flow to your lungs triggers a reaction by your brain that will wake you up, whether or not you’re aware of it at the time. Sleeping on your side helps prevent it from happening.

Back Sleepers

Back sleeping may help you avoid wrinkles from not sleeping on one side of your face. However, you’ll likely snore because your airways don’t remain open in this position. That’s the last thing you need if you suffer from sleep apnea. Sleeping problems have far-reaching health impacts that you need to avoid to prevent the detrimental side effects it can cause.

While helpful for lower back pain, this position can aggravate sleep apnea because it will further narrow your airways, triggering your brain’s response to the restricted airflow.

Stomach Sleepers

Stomach sleeping is unhealthy and not recommended. Sure, you won’t snore if you lay on your tummy, but sleeping this way puts undue stress on your abdominal cavity and lower back and often results in long-term lower back pain. The best mattresses for stomach sleepers are firm, as they offer needed support to prevent your stomach from sinking, but we recommend switching to side sleeping above all.

Sleeping Cool and Airflow

The ambient temperature, along with light and noise, can have profound impacts on your sleep quality. If it’s too warm, it runs contrary to your body’s attempt to lower its core temp during rest. At this time, your body’s resources are focused on repairing muscle damage and replenishing red blood cells, along with undergoing other restorative processes.

Airflow is a significant contributor toward that sweet spot of temperature. Circulating air removes the warmth and replaces it with cooler temps to help your body stay at its ideal range. Mattress manufacturers help with designs that have open cells that allow air to keep moving and create a more comfortable environment.

You’ll also see descriptions of cooling technologies that strive to pull heat from your body through various means like gel foam and copper infusion. The latter has the advantage of creating an antimicrobial environment for better respiratory health while adding strength to the construction.

Common Questions

Can a mattress help sleep apnea?

Adjusting your sleep position is a helpful way to make you more comfortable and able to get a full night’s sleep. A mattress can provide the necessary support to allow for side sleeping or lying on your stomach. A product that you can use in a bed with an adjustable bed in another excellent way to manage your condition. The essential factor is that it supports your spinal alignment to prevent back or neck pain.

What is the best type of mattress to buy?

The best product is the one that enables you to sleep without disruptions due to other factors in your sleeping environment like temperature. We’d suggest going with a hypoallergenic product to keep your nasal passages open to complement the other lifestyle changes you’re making. Take advantage of a free trial period to make sure it is the best mattress for you.

Can sleeping upright help sleep apnea?

This position can help because it keeps your airways open and controls the sensation of feeling like you can’t catch your breath. It can also help with acid reflux or heartburn. While sleeping on your back can aggravate it, you can use another position to avoid snoring. Make sure that you keep your neck and spine aligned to avoid muscle strain.

How should you sleep if you have sleep apnea?

The best sleeping position for alleviating sleep apnea is lying on your side. This position keeps your airway clear of obstructions, unlike back sleeping where gravity can push down on your throat’s soft tissues.

To make sure you stay on your side, you may want to prop yourself up with firm body pillows. You can also attach a tennis ball to your sleepwear so that it will feel uncomfortable if you roll over. If you’re a committed back sleeper, a wedge pillow or adjustable base can raise your upper body for a clear airway.

How do I know what firmness of mattress I need?

You should consider not only your sleeping position but also your body type when you’re shopping for a mattress. Your weight determines how much pressure you place on a mattress, which can affect how the bed feels to you. Heavier sleepers over 230 pounds might want a firmer mattress to withstand their weight. A mattress for a petite sleeper under 130 pounds should have a softer feel for full pressure relief.

Conclusion

We understand how frustrating it is when you don’t sleep well. Unfortunately, it affects your entire day, along with the added health risks like high blood pressure and heart disease. While you can’t cure your condition with these products, you can make yourself more comfortable by investing in the best mattress for sleep apnea. With a risk-free trial, you can find the perfect one to take back your nights.