Best Foam 🥇 Emma Original Price Range: £248.40 6 /10 Exclusive Get 24% OFF the Emma Original £311
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Best for: Highlights: The first thing that struck me about this mattress was its impeccable design and construction. With three thoughtfully engineered foam layers and a cover that oozed quality, it was evident that no corners were cut in creating the Emma Original. But does it live up to its promises? Let’s delve deeper.
The top layer boasts Airgocell foam, a revolutionary material that promises optimal airflow and a cool sleeping surface. I can attest that this claim holds true. Gone were the nights of waking up drenched in sweat. The Emma Original kept me cool and comfortable throughout the night, allowing me to enjoy uninterrupted sleep—a rarity for arthritis sufferers.
Beneath the Airgocell foam lies a layer of memory foam—a comforting embrace for aching joints. As someone who battles arthritis, I can vouch for the pressure relief and support provided by this layer. It contoured to my body, alleviating the strain on my joints and promoting proper spinal alignment. The result? Waking up feeling refreshed and pain-free.
What impressed me even more was the Emma Original’s supportive cold foam layer, specifically designed to target the lower back and shoulders. This layer ensured that my body received the necessary support and stability, minimising any discomfort or exacerbation of joint pain. It truly felt like a customised sleep solution tailored to my needs.
However, I must highlight a couple of drawbacks. While the medium-firm feel of the Emma Original suited me well, individuals seeking an ultra-soft mattress may need to explore other options. Additionally, the mattress’s weight—over 55kg—made it slightly cumbersome to move; so if you’re someone who frequently changes the mattress’s position, this could pose a minor inconvenience.
In a nutshell: The Emma Original is a memory foam mattress that delivers on its promises. After personally testing it and experiencing its benefits, I can confidently say that it is a worthy investment for arthritis sufferers. The impeccable design, the pressure relief, and the support it provides make it an excellent choice for anyone seeking respite from joint pain and discomfort.
What should I look for in an arthritis mattress? There are a number of things to think about while shopping for a mattress that works well for those with arthritis – without sacrificing comfort. While everyone has their own unique tastes, thinking about these factors will help you settle on the best option for your situation.
Undoubtedly, price is a major factor for most of us. The price of a mattress might be anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand pounds. While it’s understandable to want to save money, it’s critical to remember that some more expensive mattresses will be, almost perversely, good value because of their extended lifespan and other convenient features. Remember the saying: buy cheap, buy tiwce.
And one more tip: it’s also vital to include in the cost of any optional comfort features, such as an adjustable bed frame, extra pillows, or a mattress topper .
Examining the contours is also important. The flexibility of a mattress to conform to your body is crucial, since it promotes healthy spinal alignment and helps reduce arthritis discomfort. A mattress with good contouring allows your wider and heavier body parts to sink in and feel supported, which is especially important for back sleepers .
The durability and comfort of a mattress also depend heavily on the quality of its construction. While more expensive, higher-quality materials tend to be more resistant to drooping and indentations, ensuring that your comfy mattress retains its comfort for longer.
Arthiritis sufferers: Sleeping positions Back sleeping There are benefits and drawbacks to sleeping on one’s back if you’re dealing with persistent pain like that seen with arthritis.
Honestly, sleeping on your back might increase neck discomfort for some people while relieving back pain for others, and some people may notice a worsening of back pain in this position. The Cleveland Clinic recommends trying putting a cushion between the knees if you suffer from osteoarthritis.
For those who prefer to sleep on their backs, telling you to try anothe rpositiion is probably futile! Finding the perfect mattress is essential for maintaining spinal health. One tip is don’t go for something too hard – if the mattress is too firm, it can lead to hip discomfort.
Many people who favour sleeping on their backs choose a firmer-than-average mattress to counter-act the drooping that often occurs when sleeping in this position, which is okay. But finding a happy medium between these two extremes is crucial for facilitating restful, pain-free sleep.
Side Sleeping People’s shoulders and hips expand when they sleep on their sides , putting additional strain on the bed. As a result of the increased pressure, painful pressure points can form.
If you sleep on your side, you should invest in a good mattress to prevent back pain, and I cannot stress that enough 🙂 Your shoulders and hips might become out of alignment if your mattress is too soft. Another source of lower back pain is a mattress that is overly hard and does not provide enough sinkage.
When people sleep on their sides, their legs tend to stack on top of each other, which can cause pain in the knees and hips. As with back sleepers, some people who sleep on their sides find that putting a pillow in between their knees helps ease the pressure on their hips and knees.
More from WhatMattress... What about firmness? The level of firmness you enjoy is highly personal, as I’ve touched on before, however it doesalso depend on how much you weigh. The prevailing consensus is that lighter people are more comfortable on softer, more conforming mattresses, while heavier people are better off with firmer , more supportive ones. A mattress that is too soft might cause back pain, while a mattress that is too hard can add to the development of pressure sores. Those suffering from arthritis and other joint pains should be very selective when choosing a mattress firmness.
Joint pain sufferers must give special attention to pressure relief . It is important to select a mattress that effectively relieves pressure, as bigger or heavier body parts put more stress on it. Mattresses that conform to the shape of the sleeper’s body assist distribute weight more uniformly, reducing stress on any one spot.
People who have mobility limitations due to arthritis will also benefit greatly from having edge support (bolstering). If you want to sit on the edge of your bed or get in and out of bed with ease, look for a mattress with solid edge support; a mattress with adequate edge support may make those who want to sleep on the siide of the bed more comfortable too.
About temperature retention I’ve learned over the years that the ability to control the temperature of the room in which you sleep is often overlooked . Mattresses range in their capacity to either release or trap heat, so finding a mattress with a breathable sleep surface is important if you have a history of sleeping hot (for example). Although certain all-foam mattresses may have cooling elements to promote ventilation, latex , hybrid, and innerspring types often perform better at temperature regulation in testing.
Those who have mobility challenges due to conditions like arthritis may place a premium on ease of movement. It’s easier to switch sleeping positions in the night because some mattresses are more sensitive and favourable to mobility. High-density memory foam mattresses are soft and might make you feel “trapped in the bed,” while latex, coils, and responsive foams are often more mobile and comfortable. In short, aA more responsive mattress is an excellent choice for those who have trouble sleeping due to movement issues.
Finally, thinking about the mattress type can be helpful – I’ll cover this later. But for now, just know that hybrid, innerspring, latex, airbed, and foam mattresses are just some of the options out there; the advantages and disadvantages of each variety can vary widely.
What else should I try? Let me be honest: there is no silver bullet here.
Living with arthritis can have a significant impact on your ability to get a good night’s sleep. The aches and pains associated with arthritis can make it challenging to fall asleep and can cause you to toss and turn throughout the night. The sleep position you choose can either help alleviate or worsen your pain. While everyone’s preferences may differ, experts generally recommend sleeping on your back or side as these positions can help relieve pressure on your joints.
If you find that your arthritis and joint pain continue to disrupt your sleep, it’s recommended to have a discussion with your GP (if you can get an appointment…). They will be able to provide tailored recommendations and explore potential treatment options to help alleviate your symptoms and improve the quality of your sleep. Don’t hesitate to seek professional guidance to find relief and enjoy a more restful night’s sleep.
We're completely independent from any mattress company. We've spent countless hours curating and reviewing mattresses that anyone can buy in the UK, and have been doing so since 2018. Mattresses tested: 82 Total hours testing: 602 Pillows tested: 24 Total hours testing: 183 Duvets tested: 35+ Funds spent on testing: £7,500+
What about Rheumatoid Arthritis? Living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can be challenging, but finding the right mattress can make a significant difference in managing joint pain and achieving a restful sleep. The key is to look for a mattress that offers both cradling support and firmness.
For individuals with RA, a mattress that cradles the spine and cushions the body’s pressure points can provide much-needed relief. This helps to alleviate pressure on the affected joints, reducing pain and discomfort. Memory foam mattresses, latex mattresses, and hybrids are popular options that offer this kind of support and contouring.
Memory foam mattresses are known for their ability to conform to the body’s shape, distributing weight evenly and relieving pressure points. Latex mattresses, on the other hand, provide a responsive and supportive surface that keeps the body properly aligned. Hybrid mattresses combine the best of both worlds, combining foam layers with pocketed coils for enhanced support and pressure relief.
What mattress type is best for arthritis sufferers? When it comes to mattress types for those with osteoarthritis or just generalised joint pain, there are several options available: hybrid, innerspring, latex, airbed, and foam mattresses. While each model may have its own unique features and variations, they generally fall into these categories based on their construction, materials, and quality.
Hybrids Let’s take a closer look at the hybrid mattress category . Generally, this is what I recommend, because hybrid mattresses combine different materials such as memory foam, polyfoam, latex, wool, microcoils, and others, with a coil support system. This combination allows for a blend of the benefits found in both innerspring and foam or latex mattresses, while minimising some of their drawbacks.
Hybrid mattresses shine because of their combined responsiveness to body contouring and extensive, firmer support. The hybrid mattress’s comfort layers can provide cushioning, contouring, and pressure alleviation for people experiencing joint pain. In addition, the coil support core has the potential to offer more uniform support throughout the body, which is generally good news for preserving healthy spinal alignment.
By opting for a hybrid mattress, people with joint pain can potentially enjoy the best of both worlds in terms of support, contouring, and pressure relief, ultimately contributing to a more comfortable and restful sleep experience.
Latex One of the key highlights of latex mattresses is their ability to provide pressure relief without the feeling of being engulfed or hugged by the mattress.
Latex has low point elasticity, which means that when pressure is applied, it spreads the compression over a wider area rather than concentrating it in one spot. This characteristic means you get highly effective pressure relief, making latex mattresses a popular choice for anyone suffering with joint pain. Furthermore, the lack of excessive sinkage associated with memory foam mattresses can make latex mattresses easier to move on, which is beneficial for those with mobility issues.
If you’re seeking a mattress that offers pressure relief and support without the sensation of sinking in too deeply, a latex mattress may be a suitable option. Its unique properties make it a favourable choice for individuals with joint pain, providing a comfortable and responsive sleeping surface.
One thing to be aware of, though: latex mattresses aren’t cheap.
Memory Foam Memory foam mattresses are still incredibly popular in the UK, and that’s not just because they’re cheap. The viscoelastic substance from which memory foam is fashioned allows it to mould to the body’s temperature and pressure.
Memory foam’s ability to evenly distribute body weight is a major benefit here: when sleeping, people with arthritis benefit greatly from this feature since it minimises the possibility that they’ll experience discomfort at pressure points. Because it moulds to the shape of the body, memory foam cushions the spine and other joints quite well.
Memory foam’s exceptional ability to dampen outside noise is a further perk too, particularly when compared to the old spring mattresses of the 90s. This means that the foam effectively absorbs the motion of a single person sleeping on the bed, allowing for a more restful night’s rest. The reduced motion transfer of memory foam can be quite helpful for people with arthritis who may feel greater sensitivity or discomfort.
Due to its close fitting nature, memory foam mattresses can retain heat, which I know can be uncomfortable for people who naturally sleep hot . Memory foam mattresses used to be notorious for heat retention, but modern models often have innovative cooling technologies like gel-infused foams or permeable covers.
Here at WhatMattress we take mattress research seriously - all our product tests are done as fairly and honestly as possible.
That's quite a bold claim, but we're proud of the attention to detail that you're hopefully seeing within our reviews. Our methodology sets us apart from many other review websites. I like to think this is because WhatMattress is only run by two people - Carrie and Anthony. Over the years we've hand-tested multiple mattresses, pillow and other bedding products - so that you don't have to!
Every single mattress is put through its paces using the following tests:
We make sure to live with the mattress for at least a week. We always sleep on the mattress we're testing - every single night. We will always be 100% honest when we weigh up the pros and the cons of each mattress. And in most cases, we've bought the mattress ourselves and haven't been given a free one. What if I’m on a budget? Surprisingly, budget or ‘cheap’ mattresses can sometimes be a good option for those with arthritis or joint problems. And that is because they’re mostly made of memory foam, which is a decent material for joint pain. In fact, even higher-end memory foam mattresses like Tempur can be good for those with arthritis.
Memory foams are usually less expensive than other options while still delivering good support and pressure alleviation. Some low-priced mattresses, though, can show impressions or sag more quickly than others, though, and that’s osmething to be aware of.
The increasing prevalence of bed-in-a-box mattress retailers online is helping to drive down prices. These “mattress in a box” companies often retail at a lower price than traditional high street stores, because they do not require the use of showrooms or pesky sales staff.
Conclusion So there you have it, a comprehensive guide to finding the best mattress for individuals with arthritis. We’ve explored the common symptoms of arthritis that can disrupt sleep and discussed how the right mattress can make a world of difference in providing comfort and pain relief.
From our extensive research and consultation with medical professionals, we have identified key factors to consider when selecting a mattress for arthritis. These include factors such as price, contouring, quality materials, firmness level, pressure relief, edge support, temperature regulation, and ease of movement. Each of these factors plays a crucial role in ensuring a restful and rejuvenating sleep experience for arthritis sufferers.
Remember, finding the best mattress for arthritis is a personal journey: take advantage of the free trial periods offered by manufacturers and consult with healthcare professionals or your GP if needed. Your sleep quality and overall well-being are worth the investment in a mattress that can alleviate joint pain, promote proper spinal alignment, and provide the comfort you deserve.
Let me know in the comments below what you think!
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Will a memory foam mattress help with arthritis pain? Generally, yes. Memory foam mattresses are known for their exceptional pressure relief and contouring properties. They conform to the body, relieving pressure points and reducing stress on joints. This can provide much-needed relief and comfort for arthritis sufferers.
Is a firmer or softer mattress better for arthritis? The ideal firmness level for arthritis sufferers depends on personal preference and body weight. Generally, a medium-firm mattress strikes a good balance, providing adequate support while still offering cushioning for joints. However, individual needs may vary, and some may find a softer or firmer mattress more suitable based on their specific condition and comfort preferences.
Can an adjustable bed frame benefit arthritis sufferers? Yes, an adjustable bed frame can be highly beneficial for arthritis sufferers. These beds allow you to customise your sleeping position, elevating your head and legs as desired.
How we reviewed this article: Our experts continually monitor the mattress & sleep tech space, and we update our reviews & articles when new information becomes available.
1st June 2023 8th August 2023 1st June 2023 29th January 2024 
