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Credit: Sleep Foundation Test Lab

Getting a good night’s sleep is crucial to you and your baby’s health. But between nausea, heartburn, backache, and night sweats, pregnancy puts your body through a challenging series of changes that can make sleep difficult to attain.

More than ever, you’ll require a mattress that can relieve pressure from sensitive areas while still providing support for your growing baby bump. The right mattress can help keep discomfort at bay and have an enormous impact on the quality of your sleep.

We’re here to help you find the best mattress for pregnancy, going through the factors you should focus on in a mattress and sharing our top picks for mattresses on the market today. We want to help you get the rest you need so you can rise to the challenge of being a new mom!

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Best Mattress for Pregnancy of 2024

Luxury Firm Winkbed

The Luxury Firm WinkBed balances even support with soft cushioning that promotes healthy spinal alignment. Pregnant people will also be pleased with the reinforced perimeter, which makes getting in and out of bed easier.

See The Top Pick

In-Depth Reviews

The Luxury WinkBed’s premium hybrid design should deliver the support you need throughout your pregnancy. Cushy foam keeps the surface plush, while multi-zone coils provide targeted pushback for your midsection and prevent excessive sinkage.

  • Pros

    1. Gel-infused foam and airflow through pocketed coils ensure a cool sleep surface

    2. Zoned coil system offers increased back support

    3. Reinforced perimeter bolsters edge support

  • Cons

    1. Initial off-gassing odor can be somewhat strong

    2. May feel too firm for side sleepers under 130 pounds

Mattress Type

Innerspring

Firmness Options

Medium Firm (6)

Price Range

$1,149 – $2,049

Trial Period

120 nights (30 night requirement)

The Luxury Firm WinkBed offers even support and comfortable cushioning, two factors very important for pregnant people. This model cushions the body effectively without sacrificing spinal alignment, which is a tough balance to achieve. This model has a medium firm (6) feel, placing it squarely in the middle range of what most sleepers prefer.

How It Performed

Our testers ranked this model highly in several important categories including edge support and temperature control. Pregnant people need robust support across the whole mattress, and this bed’s reinforced perimeter is a major benefit for those who sleep using the entire surface. When it comes to cooling, this mattress does a standout job. Its gel-infused polyfoam and Tencel cover aim to keep the surface cool, while the pocketed coil support core promotes healthy airflow.

What It’s Made of

The mattress’ plush Euro-top has two layers of gel-infused polyfoam quilted into its surface to give it a plush feel. An additional polyfoam layer adds contouring that conforms closely to your hips and shoulders to relieve any pressure buildup.

The pocketed coil support core has several zones with varying levels of pushback to provide extra strength beneath your lower back and additional pressure relief at your shoulders. Higher gauge coils line the core’s perimeter to ensure the mattress has strong support from edge to edge. A Tencel cover wraps the mattress and keeps its surface cool and comfortable.

WinkBed ships its Luxury Firm Mattress free to shoppers in the contiguous U.S. The 120-night sleep trial has a 30-night break-in period. Each mattress carries a lifetime limited warranty.

The Helix Midnight’s balanced, medium firm construction should appeal to anyone seeking a mattress with gentle contouring and solid overall support. Pregnant sleepers should consider upgrading to the GlacioTex cooling cover — this can significantly cut down on night sweats.

  • Pros

    1. Foam comfort layers adapt evenly to align the spine and reduce pressure

    2. Reinforced perimeter coils reduce sinkage while you sleep

    3. Optional cooling cover

  • Cons

    1. Stomach sleepers may need a firmer sleep surface

    2. Foam layers emit strong off-gassing smells for the first 48 hours

Mattress Type

Hybrid

Firmness Options

Medium Firm (6)

Price Range

$749 – $1,399

Trial Period

100 nights (30-night requirement)

Comfort is subjective and no mattress will equally meet everyone’s needs. That said, some models offer more balance than others and can accommodate a wider range of sleepers as a result. The medium firm (6) Helix Midnight was specifically designed for side sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds, but our tests show the mattress offers adequate cushioning and support for most side and back sleepers weighing 230 pounds or less. Our stomach sleepers under 130 pounds also found the mattress comfortable.

How It Performed

Our testers found the Midnight alleviates pressure very well for a hybrid. The memory foam responds slowly, adapting to your body’s unique curves for a cloud-like cradling effect, but the polyfoam maintains an even surface to keep your shoulders and hips aligned with your spine. Tests also show the Midnight isolates motion well. This can be helpful if you frequently experience sleep loss due to your partner’s nocturnal movements.

The comfort system contains memory foam and transitional polyfoam, so you’ll immediately notice some deep cushioning when you get into bed. Robust pocketed coils and base foam in the support core push back against your weight, creating an even surface for your entire body. The perimeter coils are reinforced to stabilize the edges. This minimizes sinkage when you get in and out of bed, and allows you to utilize the entire surface of your mattress.

What It’s Made of

Standard Midnight models are encased in knit polyester covers. For an extra fee, you can swap in a GlacioTex phase change cover that captures and releases body heat to maintain a cool-to-the-touch feel at all times. If you want maximum cushioning from your sleep surface or enhanced midsection support, you can also upgrade to the Helix Midnight Luxe.

Two free pillows are included with each order, and standard ground shipping is free for customers throughout the contiguous U.S. Helix Sleep’s trial period runs for 100 nights. You’ll also receive a 10-year warranty if you keep the mattress past the end of the sleep trial.

The Brooklyn Bedding Signature proves you don’t need to spend a bundle on a high-quality hybrid mattress. Three firmness levels are available, including a firm option that should deliver much-needed support for pregnant sleepers.

  • Pros

    1. Available in three firmness levels

    2. Above-average motion isolation and pressure relief

    3. Optional pillow-top adds cushioning and cooling to the surface

  • Cons

    1. Firmness exchanges are not allowed during the trial period

    2. Returns incur a $99 fee

Mattress Type

Hybrid

Firmness Options

Medium Soft (4), Medium Firm (6), Firm (8)

Price Range

$499 – $1,199

Trial Period

120 nights (30-night requirement)

High-quality mattresses often carry steep sticker prices, but this isn’t always the case. The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is a prime example. Thoughtful construction and premium materials make the mattress a standout in several performance categories, and three firmness levels make it suitable for a wide range of body types and sleep positions, but the sticker price falls well below average for a hybrid model.

How It Performed

During hands-on tests, our team found that the medium soft (4) Signature Hybrid was best suited to side sleepers up to 230 pounds and back sleepers under 130 pounds. The comfort layers offer deep cushioning and contouring, but the mattress didn’t compress excessively beneath their weights. Side sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds also enjoyed the more supportive medium firm (6) model, as did our back sleepers in the same weight range. Testers on our team weighing more than 230 pounds enjoyed the gentle conforming and robustness of the firm (7) model.

What It’s Made of

Construction varies by firmness, but all Signature Hybrid models share a similar design. Two foam layers make up the comfort system, the second of which is firmer and denser to ensure your body remains on an even plane. The support core consists of thick pocketed coils over high-density base foam. Medium soft and medium firm models feature an extra layer of adaptive polyfoam quilted into the cover, while the firm model uses cotton fibers.

You can opt for an additional pillow-top layer if you want more surface-level cushioning. This component is also encased in GlacioTex phase change material engineered to dissipate heat on contact, so this may be a worthy addition if you’re an exceptionally hot sleeper. Those seeking extra pressure relief and motion isolation may also want to consider the pillow-top, though our tests show the mattress performs above-average in both categories — especially the two softest designs.

The Signature Hybrid is available in 14 different sizes, including a split California king for couples with adjustable beds and several RV-friendly options. Brooklyn Bedding offers free ground shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. and a 120-night sleep trial for all orders. If you decide to keep the mattress, you’ll also receive a manufacturer’s warranty covering structural defects for up to 10 years.

The Nolah Evolution 15’s deep foam layers provide a close contour and ample cushioning for side sleeping — the favored position for many pregnant people. Robust, multi-zone coils provide extra support beneath your torso and hips, so uncomfortable sinkage shouldn’t be an issue.

  • Pros

    1. Three firmness options to choose from

    2. Strong spinal support

    3. Reinforced perimeter and zoned coils provide significant structure

  • Cons

    1. Thick profile requires a fitted sheet with deep pockets

    2. Nolah charges a $99 fee for all returns during the trial period

Mattress Type

Hybrid

Firmness Options

Medium (5), Medium Firm (6), Firm (8)

Price Range

$1,004 – $2,143

Trial Period

120 nights (30-night requirement)

The Nolah Evolution 15 has a plush comfort system to enhance pressure relief. Shoppers can purchase this model in one of three available firmness options: medium (5), medium firm (6), and firm (8).

How It Performed

In addition to its uncompromising support, the Evolution 15 also regulates temperature quite well. There are numerous cooling-specific technologies within this model including an air gusset that allows body heat to escape, graphite infusions aimed at wicking moisture, and a patented cover meant to keep the surface cool. Together, all these materials successfully keep this mattress comfortable enough for those living in warm climates.

What It’s Made of

Exact specifications vary between models to give them each their own distinct feel. However, they all have the same basic design that begins with a quilted polyfoam Euro-top that gives the mattress a plush feel when you lay on it. Beneath is a layer of AirFoamICE, a proprietary polyfoam designed to cool and contour. The comfort system’s final component is a polyfoam transitional layer that relieves pressure buildup without allowing your body to sink too deeply into the mattress.

The 8-inch pocketed coil support core has three separate zones. Higher gauge coils beneath your midsection withstand significant weight to prevent your spine from falling out of alignment. The coils compress easier beneath your shoulders and legs to ensure you don’t feel pressure points or sore spots. A base polyfoam layer anchors the mattress and ensures durability.

Nolah offers shoppers a 120-night sleep trial, though shoppers who want to opt out of the trial can save $100 by doing so at checkout. Shipping is free within the contiguous U.S. and the mattress carries a lifetime warranty.

The thoughtfully constructed Bear Elite Hybrid is a solid choice for anyone experiencing pregnancy-related back pain. A cushy foam layer keeps the surface nice and plush, while zoned support layers ensure your midsection won’t sink too deeply into the mattress.

  • Pros

    1. Available in three firmness levels

    2. Mixed foam comfort system contours closely to the body to relieve pressure

    3. Phase change material in cover meant to prevent heat buildup

  • Cons

    1. Strong initial off-gassing odor may occur

    2. Limited options for those seeking an exceptionally soft design

Mattress Type

Hybrid

Firmness Options

Medium (5), Medium Firm (6), Firm (8)

Price Range

$1,231 – $2,548

Trial Period

120 nights (30-night break-in period)

Many pregnant people can experience pressure buildup, especially as their body gets larger throughout pregnancy. Mattresses made with foam layers often excel in our pressure relief tests, and the Bear Elite Hybrid is no exception. This foam hybrid offers balanced contouring and support, and the three firmness levels ensured most of our testers felt comfortable.

How It Performed

The Elite Hybrid comes in three firmnesses: medium (5), medium firm (6), and firm (8). Our testing found the softest model best suited our side and back sleepers who weigh less than 130 pounds. The medium firm was the most versatile, earning its highest rankings from our side sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds and back sleepers who weigh up to 230 pounds. Our side sleepers weighing more than 230 pounds, back sleepers who weigh at least 130 pounds, and stomach sleepers weighing between 130 and 230 pounds enjoyed the firmest model’s even sleep surface.

The different firmnesses also varied in performance across our testing criteria. Couples who value motion isolation may prefer the softest model, which absorbed the most movement transfer and noise in our tests. Meanwhile, the firmest model may be better for those who value a responsive surface for sex. All three excelled in our temperature control tests thanks to steady airflow through the coils and the use of phase change material.

What It’s Made of

The Elite Hybrid’s comfort system starts with a layer of adaptive memory foam that relieves pressure buildup in the joints and lower back. This layer is also infused with copper designed to conduct and dissipate heat. Next is a layer of polyfoam that is zoned to support the midsection while cradling the legs. The polyfoam also acts as a transitional layer between the comfort system and the coils.

Pocketed coils in the support core offer pushback to the midsection to help promote healthy sleep posture. The coils rest on a base layer of polyfoam for extra stability. A Celliant and polyester blend cover encases the mattress and is infused with phase change material meant for enhanced cooling.

Bear ships free to customers living in the contiguous U.S., and mattress purchases come with a 120-night sleep trial. You can test the mattress and return it after the 30-night break-in period. The Elite Hybrid is backed by a generous lifetime warranty.

Puffy’s Cloud Smart Bed Set includes a pressure-relieving mattress, high-performance adjustable base, and a full bedding set — all at a sticker price that’s hard to beat. This bundle is especially well suited to anyone who’s experienced back or shoulder pain during their pregnancy.

  • Pros

    1. Affordable bundle option includes a mattress, adjustable base, and full bedding set

    2. Plush all-foam mattress contours closely to alleviate pressure and discomfort

    3. Adjustable base offers zoned massage to target sensitive areas

  • Cons

    1. May be overkill for anyone who simply needs a new mattress

    2. Foam layers produce strong off-gassing odor for the first few nights

Mattress Type

Foam

Firmness Options

Medium (5)

Price Range

$1,648 – $3,296

Trial Period

101 Nights

If you’re in the market for a new mattress and an adjustable base, the Puffy Cloud Smart Bed Set gives you a lot of bang for your buck.

How It Performed

Our tests show the all-foam Cloud Mattress contours closely to the body and is particularly well suited to people with chronic aches and pains. This reasonably priced bundle also includes two pillows, a mattress protector, and four-piece sheet set.

During hands-on testing, the mattress was popular among our side sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds and back sleepers under 130 pounds. The foam layers also isolate motion well, making the Cloud a solid choice for couples and co-sleepers.

What It’s Made of

The Cloud is medium (5) in terms of firmness, and begins with a top layer of adaptive memory foam. Dense polyfoam forms the underlying transitional and support layers, creating a stable base, but the mattress hugs your body for a cradling, cloud-like effect.

The Serenity Adjustable Base comes with multiple presets, including zero gravity that elevates your legs higher than your upper body — this position has proven to be effective for people with lower back pain. Zoned massage is another highlight of the adjustable base. You can program the bed to vibrate at different intensity levels beneath your head, torso, and legs. Other notable features of the base include under-bed lighting to help you navigate your bedroom when the lights are out, and USB ports for charging your belongings overnight.

Twin XL, full, queen, and king sizes are available. You can also opt for a split king if you and your partner have different position preferences.

In addition to the savings you’ll receive when you make this bundle purchase, Puffy offers free standard shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. Each item in the set is backed by a 101-night sleep trial. If you decide to keep the bundle, your purchase is further backed by a lifetime warranty.

If you experience hot flashes or sleep warm as a result of your pregnancy, the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe should provide the right amount of cooling to keep you comfortable throughout the night. The multi-zone coils are another asset — extra pushback beneath your midsection can prevent excessive sinkage and pressure buildup in the lower back.

  • Pros

    1. Surface materials promote cooling and heat dissipation

    2. Zoned coils push back against extra weight in the midsection

    3. Three firmness levels to accommodate different sleep positions and body types

  • Cons

    1. Strong off-gassing may occur after the mattress is unboxed

    2. Returns are subject to a $99 processing fee

Mattress Type

Hybrid

Firmness Options

Medium Soft (4), Medium Firm (6), Firm (7)

Price Range

$749 – $1,699

Trial Period

120 nights (30-night requirement)

Thermoregulation is crucial for healthy sleep during pregnancy, and a mattress that absorbs and traps heat can affect your comfort level night after night. The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe is engineered to reduce heat buildup and maintain a cool feel at all times. Phase change fibers in the cover, copper and cooling gel infusions, and a coil system that promotes steady airflow all contribute to the Aurora Luxe’s temperature control.

How It Performed

Three firmness levels are available. The medium soft (4) option was a big hit among side sleepers on our team due to the deep conforming, though this design may not provide enough stability during the advanced stages of your pregnancy. The medium firm (6) and firm (7) models feel sturdier and won’t compress as much beneath your weight. If you want some extra cushioning on the surface, you can pay a bit extra for the “Cloud” pillow-top. This additional foam layer makes the mattress feel slightly more adaptive without compromising the coil support.

Our tests also show the Aurora Luxe is a solid choice for couples due to the above-average motion isolation. The foam layers absorb movement well and cut down on motion transfer to a significant degree, so you and your partner shouldn’t wake each other up due to nighttime movements or sleep position changes. The firmer models earned high marks for edge support and ease of movement, while the medium soft mattress performed better in the pressure relief category.

What It’s Made of

A useful feature for pregnant sleepers is the zoned support core. Thicker coils rest against the midsection, pushing back against the extra weight in your torso and hips to keep your sleep surface nice and even. Three foam layers contour evenly to distribute your weight and reduce pressure in the shoulders, lower back, and hips, but the coils offer enough reinforcement to prevent you from sinking or feeling stuck in the mattress.

You can choose from 10 different sizes for your Aurora Luxe. These include the six standard mattress sizes, as well as a split California king option if you and your partner share an adjustable bed and three options intended for RV use. Brooklyn Bedding offers free ground shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. Your order comes with a sleep trial running for 120 nights, and those who choose to keep the mattress after the trial ends also receive a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty.

The Birch Luxe’s responsive, bouncy design keeps your body aloft and helps you change sleep positions without too much resistance. Breathable materials in the comfort and support systems also help the mattress maintain a comfortable temperature, which in turn ensures you’ll stay cool while you sleep.

  • Pros

    1. Breathable organic cotton cover

    2. Organic wool and Pulse latex comfort system contours to the body to relieve pressure

    3. Zoned pocketed coils offer targeted support to the midsection

  • Cons

    1. Couples may lose sleep due to extra motion transfer

    2. Expensive pricing might be a barrier for shoppers with tight budgets

Mattress Type

Latex Hybrid

Firmness Options

Medium Firm (6)

Price Range

$1,299 – $2,499

Trial Period

100 nights (30-night requirement)

The Birch Luxe is a latex hybrid that balances pressure relief and support to help prevent aches and pains for pregnant people. We recommend this pick for eco-conscious shoppers willing to spend a bit more on a high-end mattress made with organic and natural materials.

How It Performed

The mattress performed well across sleeping positions and body weights, but the medium firm (6) feel best suited our side sleepers who are at least 130 pounds. Back and stomach sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds should also find the mattress supportive and comfortable. Many couples should appreciate the responsive surface and reinforced edges for co-sleeping and sex. The strong edge support allowed us to comfortably use the entire area of the mattress without slipping off. The mattress also earned high rankings from our hot sleepers thanks to the breathable cotton, wool, latex, and coils that ensured ample airflow.

What It’s Made of

A Euro-top cover featuring quilted organic cotton gives the surface a plush feel. Cotton’s natural breathability helps keep the surface cool to the touch. Next, a layer of organic wool and rayon acts as a natural fire barrier. This is followed by two additional wool layers that offer extra cushioning. Proprietary Pulse latex in the comfort layers gently cradles the body to relieve pressure in the hips and shoulders. However, since latex is naturally responsive, the surface does not conform too closely to the body, thus trapping less heat. The latex is Rainforest Alliance-certified, ensuring it was sourced sustainably.

Pocketed coils make up the support core. These coils are zoned in the center of the mattress to support the hips and lower back, preventing uncomfortable sagging. A perimeter reinforcement allows you to lay or sit on the edges of the mattress without slipping. The coils rest on a base layer made from a wool and rayon blend for extra stability.

Birch offers free shipping to customers in the contiguous U.S. A 100-night sleep trial allows you to test the mattress and return it for a full refund anytime after the 30-night break-in period. The Birch Luxe is backed by a 25-year warranty against structural defects.

The Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid delivers the deep cushioning, targeted lumbar support, and consistent cooling many pregnant people need to sleep comfortably. As an added bonus, yWhite Glove couriers set up the mattress in your own home and haul away your old bed at no extra charge.

  • Pros

    1. Zoned memory foam pushes back against extra weight in the lower back and hips

    2. Dense coil encasement protects the perimeter from uncomfortable sinkage

    3. Free White Glove delivery with all orders

  • Cons

    1. Fairly expensive compared to the average foam hybrid

    2. Off-gassing smells can be overwhelming for the first few nights

Mattress Type

Hybrid

Firmness Options

Medium Firm (6)

Price Range

$925 – $2,630

Trial Period

365 Nights ($99 Return Fee)

Most pregnant sleepers prefer the side position because it rotates the stomach away from the rest of the body, removing pressure from the lower back in the process. However, side sleepers need a mattress that provides enough cushioning to promote even alignment and alleviate discomfort in the shoulders and hips. The Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid’s comfort system contains two memory foam layers, the second of which is zoned to feel firmer and denser beneath your midsection. This helps ensure extra pushback where it’s needed, and gentler cradling elsewhere.

How It Performed

Since the Memory Foam Hybrid is medium firm (6), our tests show the mattress is best suited to side sleepers who weigh at least 130 pounds. The foam layers also absorb a significant amount of motion transfer, so you shouldn’t experience sleep disturbances when your partner changes positions and vice versa.

What It’s Made of

The topmost memory foam layer is plusher and more adaptive by comparison. This creates an invitingly plush feel when you get into bed, but there shouldn’t be too much sinkage as your body settles. Transitional polyfoam and pocketed coils form a stable base to keep your body upright while you sleep. A breathable organic cotton cover helps offset heat retention from the foam layers, so you should also be able to sleep relatively cool.

Saatva is one of the only online mattress brands to offer free White Glove delivery — a perk that may be particularly helpful for pregnant shoppers. After scheduling a delivery date, couriers assemble the Memory Foam Hybrid inside your residence and remove your old mattress upon request. All purchases come with a sleep trial that spans an entire year. If you’re satisfied with the mattress, it’s further backed by a lifetime warranty.

How We Test: Rigor, Data, and Sleeper Feedback

Every sleeper has unique needs and preferences. We use an objective rating system to help you understand the pros and cons of each mattress, allowing you to make the best purchasing decision based on your personal criteria.

Since there is an established connection between the sleep products you choose and your overall sleep quality, our testing team thoroughly analyzes each mattress to determine who will benefit most from using it. We conduct these hands-on evaluations in our Seattle-based Test Lab using a four-part process, which is outlined below.

Construction analysis: We begin tests for each mattress by making note of firmness, height, layer composition, and other manufacturer specifications. This allows us to determine qualities like durability and overall support.

Product testing: Our team uses cutting-edge tools and technology to evaluate mattresses for motion isolation, pressure relief, temperature control, ease of movement, edge support, and odor potential. These six performance categories are key to our hands-on testing process.

Field testing: In addition to lab-based testing, we use feedback from field testers who use mattresses in their own homes. Data is collected over the course of several weeks to give us insights about each bed’s long-term performance.

User testing: We collect feedback from verified mattress owners through surveys and product reviews. This helps us fine-tune our ratings and ensure they reflect real-world experiences.

How to Choose a Mattress for Pregnancy

When you’re pregnant, each trimester will bring new challenges to your sleep. The first trimester heralds rising progesterone levels which result in daytime sleepiness. Some women may also start experiencing tender breasts, nausea, night sweats, and a more frequent need to urinate.

As you move to the second trimester, hormone levels even out. You may feel more energetic, but many women experience nightmares and heartburn.

For most women, the third trimester represents the heaviest blow to their sleep. This is when the weight of the baby bump starts to cause serious lower back pain. In addition, women commonly experience frequent nighttime awakening, restless legs syndrome, and snoring during the third trimester.

It can be difficult to choose a mattress for pregnancy, given that your body is constantly changing. If you sleep with a partner, you’ll also have to take their concerns into account. Ideally, you’ll find a mattress that suits your regular sleeping style as well, since hopefully you’ll be using your mattress for years to come.

In the following sections, we’ll discuss mattress construction, firmness levels, and how these affect mattress performance for pregnant women. We’ll also discuss why it’s important to get quality sleep during pregnancy, and cover some of the most important things to look for when choosing a mattress for pregnancy.

Why is Sleep Important for Pregnancy?

Sleep deprivation during pregnancy has been linked to postpartum depression, preterm delivery, gestational diabetes, fetus size, longer labor and a higher chance of cesarean delivery. That’s not to mention the general effects of sleep deprivation, which include slower reaction time, negative mood, and a weakened immune system, among others. Unfortunately, getting quality sleep when you’re pregnant is easier said than done.

Research shows that pregnant women are more likely to suffer from sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, heartburn, and restless legs syndrome. In addition, pregnant women tend to experience nausea, insomnia, anxiety over childbirth, back pain, fetal movements, and a frequent need to visit the bathroom, all of which can interfere with sleep quality.

Investing in a good mattress is the first step to improving your sleep during pregnancy. For more advice, read our article on how to get better sleep during pregnancy.

What to Look for in a Mattress for Pregnancy

The mattress industry is full of complicated jargon which can make it seem like an impossible task to understand how one mattress is better than another. In reality, it’s simpler than it seems.

All mattresses have two principal functions: to provide spinal support and pressure relief. They accomplish this using a combination of support layers and comfort layers.

Secondary to support and pressure relief are factors like temperature regulation and motion isolation, which are also important during your pregnancy. Following are some key points and a simple explanation of the most important things to look for in a mattress when you’re expecting.

  • Price: Pregnancy is a big investment, and many expecting couples may not have the money to spend a few thousand dollars on a new mattress. You’ll have to weigh the benefits of quality sleep against the price, taking into consideration that a mattress should last you a good 6 to 7 years at least. It is a common misconception that a high-quality mattress will cost thousands of dollars. While this may be true for some models, there are several cheap mattress options that offer the same high-quality materials and strong performance as many of their more expensive counterparts. Most online mattress manufacturers offer payment plans that allow you to pay off your mattress in monthly installments.
  • Sleeping Position: In the second and third trimester, doctors recommend that women sleep on their left side as it’s safest for the baby. Side sleepers often experience added pressure from the hips and shoulders digging into the mattress. Since you won’t be able to change sleeping positions as often as you normally would, the best mattress for the second and third trimesters will be one that provides close contouring and generous pressure relief.

“Side sleepers tend to need a high-loft pillow for support and to fill the space beneath the head and neck to promote proper spinal alignment. Keep your head and neck in alignment at around 30 degrees with the help of a good pillow so your airway stays open during the night, allowing air to flow from your nose to your lungs without obstruction.”

Sarah Silverman, Psy.D., a licensed psychologist and holistic sleep wellness consultant who treats patients in New York and Florida.

  • Mattress Type: Between innerspring and all-foam, latex or hybrid, the type of mattress that’s best for pregnancy will depend on your own body type, personal preference, and preferred sleeping position. Remember that you’ll be using your mattress after your pregnancy ends, so try to choose one that suits your regular body type and position preference as well as your changing needs during pregnancy.
  • Contouring: Memory foam is the closest-conforming material, forming a “hug” that helps distribute body weight and reduce pressure points when sleeping on your side during pregnancy. Latex also conforms to a certain extent, and many hybrid mattresses use foam or comfort layers that offer a significant level of conforming.
  • Quality Materials: The average lifespan of a mattress before it starts developing permanent body indentations or sagging is 6 to 7 years. Denser foams, natural latex, higher coil counts, thicker coil gauges, and other markers of high-quality construction can help guide you towards a more durable mattress.
  • Firmness Level: Pregnant women will likely find that their firmness preferences change as the pregnancy progresses, making it difficult to settle on either a firm or soft mattress for pregnancy. You’ll be putting added pressure on your mattress as your baby grows, so you’ll need to have a mattress that continues to provide pressure relief without sagging under the extra weight. You may want to consider a flippable mattress or an airbed with adjustable firmness as you undergo changes in weight and eventually switch to sleeping on your side during your third trimester. Another option is to use a mattress topper for part of your term. If you and your partner have trouble deciding on a firmness level, you may opt to get a mattress with a different firmness on each side, or two twin XL mattresses that you can put together to make a split-king bed.
  • Pressure Relief: Many pregnant women will prefer close-conforming mattresses that provide above-average pressure relief. That said, mattresses that allow too much sink may lead to pressure build-up due to inadequate spinal support.
  • Edge Support: A bed with strong edge support can give better leverage when getting in and out of bed, which is important as your belly grows and you find yourself making frequent bathroom visits. Thanks to their coils, hybrid mattresses and innerspring mattresses tend to have the best edge support.
  • Temperature Regulation: Many pregnant women suffer from night sweats due to changing hormones. If this sounds like you, try looking for a mattress with better airflow or more breathable materials to combat overheating. Hybrid and latex mattresses tend to be the most temperature-neutral, although some all-foam mattresses successfully use gel infusions or other techniques to reduce heat retention.
  • Noise: Expecting couples need their sleep, so it’s important to choose a quiet mattress that doesn’t squeak and creak every time a person rolls over or gets up to visit the bathroom. All-foam or latex models make little to no noise, and hybrid mattresses make less noise than traditional innersprings thanks to the individually wrapped coils.

Which Type of Mattress is Best for Pregnancy?

Mattress types can be broken down into 5 general categories, each of which has particular advantages and disadvantages. That being said, you’ll find many variations within these categories depending on the quality, composition, and extra features used by each mattress manufacturer.

Hybrid

Definition: To qualify as a hybrid mattress, a mattress must have a significant comfort layer section over an innerspring support core, which is usually pocketed coils. The comfort layers can be made of latex, memory foam, polyfoam, micro-coils, wool, down, cotton, or fiber-fill.

Highlight: Balanced Feel. Hybrids tend to offer pressure relief and motion isolation rivaling all-foam beds, while the coils provide the increased airflow, reinforced edges, and more robust spinal support of an innerspring mattress.

Innerspring

Definition: Most people grew up with an innerspring mattress, which is mostly made of metal coils and may feature a thin layer of cotton or polyfoam on top. Innerspring mattresses rarely trap heat and they offer good edge support, but they lack pressure relief and tend to transfer motion to a significant extent.

Highlight: Ease of Movement. Innerspring mattresses have a bouncy surface and negligible sagging along the edges, making them easy to hop in and out of when you’re visiting the bathroom.

Latex

Definition: All-latex mattresses use latex in the comfort layers as well as the support core. Latex can be either natural or synthetic. Natural latex is breathable, durable, and quite responsive. It contours somewhat to relieve pressure points but can also be made in a firmer version that provides a stable support core.

Highlight: Cool Conforming. Latex offers pressure relief nearing that of memory foam, but without the heat retention.

Airbed

Definition: Airbeds are characterized by the air chambers in their support core, which can be inflated or deflated to adjust the firmness level according to the user’s preference. Most high-end airbeds include additional comfort layers over the air chambers, such as foam or latex.

Highlight: Customizable Firmness. Airbeds sometimes offer as many as 50 different firmness levels that you can adjust as often as you want. This may be ideal as the body’s needs progress throughout pregnancy. For couples who are expecting, it also allows each partner to choose their own firmness level.

Foam

Definition: Polyurethane foam (polyfoam) and its close cousin, memory foam, are synthetic materials that can be engineered to have a variety of characteristics. All-foam mattresses tend to have a high-density polyfoam support core with one or more plusher comfort layers to add pressure relief and prevent motion transfer. Some foam mattresses also include latex.

Highlight: Close Conforming. All-foam mattresses, especially those with memory foam comfort layers, contour more closely than any other material to provide relief from pressure points. This can help reduce pain in pregnant women, especially when sleeping on the side.

Which Mattress Firmness is Best for Pregnancy?

Mattress firmness is usually measured on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being extremely plush and 10 being extremely firm.

Generally speaking, side sleepers and people who weigh less than 130 pounds are most comfortable on a plusher mattress that conforms closely to align the spine and reduce pressure points. Stomach sleepers and people who weigh more than 230 pounds require a firmer surface that keeps the spine aligned by preventing heavier body parts from sinking too far into the mattress. Back sleepers and people between 130 and 230 pounds do best on a mattress that provides an even balance of spinal support and pressure relief.

Your needs are slightly different during pregnancy. A mattress that is too plush can sag under the weight of your growing baby, potentially contributing to back pain. But even though your body weight is increasing, you still need a sleeping surface that will conform enough to relieve pressure points in sensitive areas.

During your second and third trimester, as you start sleeping exclusively on your left side, your mattress has the dual job of cushioning the hips and shoulders while still supporting the spine. Pregnant women may benefit from a zoned mattress that’s firmer in strategic areas, providing alternate pressure relief and support where needed.

Memory foam comfort layers tend to be more plush while latex tends to be firmer, although this is not a hard-and-fast rule. Firmness is a personal choice and regardless of your body type or preferred sleep position, you may simply prefer a firmer or softer mattress. When choosing your mattress, try to consider what your needs will be during pregnancy as well as what kind of mattress you generally prefer sleeping on, for after the baby is born.

Dive Deeper – In-Depth Mattress Guides

If you’re still not sure you’ve found a mattress that meets all of your needs, take a look at our recommendations broken down by mattresses that target specific pain points.

Still have questions?

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