5 Best Mattresses For Pregnancy That Provide Comfort And Support
Getting a good nights sleep when you are pregnant is no easy task. Unfortunately, this is also the time when you should be taking advantage of having an uninterrupted rest before the little one arrives! You need to give yourself the best possible chance of sleeping, and choosing the right mattress is one way to do this. Nine-months is a long time to go without resting comfortably.
During each trimester, your sleeping patterns and positions will continue to evolve. We aren't for a moment suggesting that you get a different mattress for each stage of your pregnancy, but there are a few features you should consider to help achieve comfort every step of the way.
As your baby bump grows, your back will begin to arch more than normal, shifting your center of gravity, so you don’t fall forwards when standing up. When you are lying down, while you may will your back muscles to relax, they will continue to move to support this new arch unless you have a mattress that supports you correctly. The best mattress will allow your back to unwind and recover, so you feel fully rested when you wake up the next day.
Here, we review some of the best mattresses for pregnancy and give you a detailed look at the features you should consider before you select a new bed. We also answer some of the frequently asked questions related to pregnancy mattresses, including the right mattress firmness, lower back support, and the best options to relieve pressure.
For broader reviews of different mattresses available, then be sure to take a look at our articles on the best coil mattress, best memory foam mattress and best mattresses. You will be sure to find one that encourages a good amount of shut-eye!
1. Saatva Loom and Leaf Memory Foam Mattress
HIGHLIGHTS:
180-night sleep trial
15-year warranty
Available in two mattress firmness options
No box storage
5lb memory foam
Gel-infused memory foam for cooling
Hypoallergenic antimicrobial cover
The Saatva Loom and Leaf Memory Foam Mattress is made entirely from foam, giving you a balance of comfort and support. It is important to note that this does not come in a bed in a box format, unlike many other brands, so you will need to factor that in when you plan delivery. This mattress is available in either medium-firm or firm levels, although medium-firmness options are probably the best for pregnancy as they give a marginally higher level of comfort.
The Saatva Loom & Leaf has a hypoallergenic, 100% cotton cover that is soft and breathable and has gone through an antimicrobial treatment to help keep it hygienic and reduce the number of allergens that may accumulate over time. Beneath this is a gel cooling layer that will help to keep your body temperature at its optimal point throughout the night.
The memory foam used in this mattress is 5lb high-density foam that provides exceptional support and pressure point relief to help ease aches and pains. It is this high-density that prevents it from being rolled up as a bed in a box format. At the base of this bed, you get additional multiple layers of foam for added durability and stability. Loom and Leaf offer a fifteen-year warranty and a 180-night sleep trial with their mattresses.
Learn more about Saatva Loom and Leaf Memory Foam Mattress
2. The Nectar Memory Foam Mattress
HIGHLIGHTS:
Medium/firm support
365-night trial
Forever warranty
Quilted mattress cover
Three layers of memory foam
Bottom mattress cover to prevent slipping
The Nectar Memory Foam Mattress is made with three layers of foam, plus a quilted cooling Tencel cover that draws heat away from your body. It is designed as a medium-firm mattress, giving you a great level of balance and support for your body weight while you sleep, relieving any pressure point pain, particularly from your hips and shoulders. Included in this product are two layers of viscoelastic foam which are Certipur certified and designed to minimize motion transfer. This means that if you have to toss and turn or make multiple trips to the bathroom during the night, your partner should not be interrupted.
The middle foam layer of this mattress is an adaptive response transition layer, which is designed to stop sinkage. There is a bottom mattress cover with this model that encases all the foam layers, which ensures it doesn’t slip around on your bed frame.
The Nectar Memory Foam mattress comes tightly packed in a box. Once it is fully expanded, it will measure 25cm (10inches) in-depth, so it isn’t the thickest medium-firm mattress, but still perfectly comfortable. It is compatible with any type of bed frame.
Learn more about The Nectar Memory Foam Mattress
3. Helix Collection Mattresses
HIGHLIGHTS:
Various levels of firmness available
Edge support
Hybrid construction
Soft Touch Design for increased airflow
100-night sleep trial
Ten-year warranty
The Helix Collection Mattresses includes mattresses that are suitable for everyone, from soft through to the firm, all named after times of the day. The Helix Dawn is the firmest option available, and the softest is the Helix Sunset. However, for a pregnancy mattress, the Helix Midnight or Helix Dusk are probably the best options as they have a medium firmness feel and both offer a degree of contouring and pressure relief for pregnant women.
All Helix mattresses are certified by CertiPUR-US and OEKO-TEX, validating that it has no harmful chemicals involved in its construction. They also have a Soft Touch Design, which, as you would expect, is soft to touch but also encourages airflow throughout the layers, which helps to keep you cool at night so it a good option for those who tend to sleep hot.
These foam mattresses are constructed with Memory Plus Foam and Helix Dynamic Foam, which are designed to provide pressure point relief and mould around your body while minimizing motion transfer, regardless of your sleeping position. The individually wrapped coils, which contribute to the hybrid mattress construction, are configured to go right to the edge, and there is a reinforced perimeter for edge support to stop sagging.
The very base of the Helix has another layer of foam, which supports the top layers and enhance the durability of the mattress. Whichever Helix mattress type you opt for, you get a 100night trial period and a ten-year warranty.
Learn more about Helix Collection Mattresses
4. Nest Bedding Alexander Signature Hybrid Mattress
HIGHLIGHTS:
Titanium infused foam
Individual pocketed coils
Edge support
Base support foam
Hyper-elastic design
Quilted thermic phase change fabric
100-night trial
Plush, medium and lux firmness levels
The Nest Bedding Alexander Signature Hybrid Mattress comes in three different firmness levels. One a scale of 1-10, with ten being the most firm, their Plush model rates at two, and their Lux Firm at eight. Their medium, which is recommended for pregnancy rates at level four. This level is also recommended for combination sleepers, and for anyone who wants support, but with a little bit of give.
The manufacturers state that they have designed this with sustainability in mind, decreasing the amount of mattress waste in landfills. This means that if you want to change just one aspect of the mattress, you don’t have to change the whole thing! You can unzip it, change the comfort layers to a different firmness, flip the layer every few months, or even add or replace an extra comfort layer in years to come. This unique feature makes it quick appealing from a cost, sustainability, and comfort perspective. This mattress from Nest Bedding has a 100-night trial, and during this time they are happy to switch comfort layers for you, so you can test plush, medium, and firm before committing to the best one for you.
There are six layers to this bed, as it uses a combination of coils and foam. The outer cover is made from reinforced polyester, and as you unzip this layer, you find a one-inch layer of base support foam that weighs 3lbs. Above this, there are individually pocketed coils, with a depth of 8inches and reinforced edge support, and this is topped by an inch of SmartFlow Support Foam. The top two layers are made up of TitanChil Endurance Foam and a 0.5inch luxury memory foam with a quilted thermic phase change top to help with temperature control. It is the layer of TitanChill Endurance foam that can be swapped to alter firmness levels.
As well as the comfort layers, the 100-night trial, and sustainability features of the Alexander Hybrid, there is one other feature that could be a key selling point for some couples. If you opt for a King or California King-sized mattress, you get a dual firmness feature, created by an internal split. This split means you can customize each size, so if you want a plush mattress, but your partner wants a luxury firm surface, this can be easily achieved. During pregnancy, this could be very helpful as you could change your side of the bed to medium, and then, after the baby is born, you can switch back to plush or firm.
Learn more about Nest Bedding Alexander Signature Hybrid Mattress
5. Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Hybrid Mattress
HIGHLIGHTS:
Hybrid mattress type
CopperFlex top layer
TitanCool infusion to keep skin cool
Foam layers
1032 individual coils
Available in three levels of firmness
120-night trial
Ten-year warranty
The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Hybrid Mattress uses advanced cooling technology combined with foam and coil layers to create an optimal sleeping environment. The trademarked TitanCool has been infused in the upper layers of the mattress, so cooling gel beads will liquefy at higher temperatures to bring you relief, but then solidify at cooler temperatures, so it can maintain the optimal sleep environment. In terms of temperature regulation, this could be the best mattress for pregnancy.
There are six layers in the Brooklyn Aurora, including hyper-elastic foam called TitanFlex, to adjust to your body movements, memory foam and 8-inch individual coils. This combination can ease back pain and offer pressure relief but is firm enough to support your lower back. The base of the mattress is made from a thick layer of foam for added durability and reinforcement. The total height of this mattress type, to help you select appropriate bedding, is 13.5inches. This is a good thickness for pregnant women and it will be comfortable in any sleeping position.
You will get a 120 night trial from Brooklyn Bedding, and it is available with three firmness options: soft, medium, or firm, although the soft version is not recommended for pregnancy. The Brooklyn Aurora comes tightly packed in a box, so it is easy to maneuver into the required room, although once open you will need to wait approximately two days for it to fully expand and take shape before lying on it.
Learn more about Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Hybrid Mattress
Features To Consider With Mattresses For Pregnancy
Support
Memory foam mattresses are recommended as the best mattresses for pregnancy as they have equal weight distribution support. The foam will mould around the contours of your body, including your newly arched back, so it can support every aspect of your figure, reducing back pain and providing pressure relief. Innerspring mattresses will offer you support, but they will not contour around you, so you are more likely to end up with your weight resting on just a few points - usually your hips and back. Continuous coil or open coil mattress constructions are not recommended for pregnant women. These constructions can be quite uncomfortable in normal situations and can cause further aggravation on your pressure points when during pregnancy.
A mattress with edge support will also be one of the best mattresses for pregnancy as this will help with equal weight distribution, support you when you are tossing and turning, and make it easier to lift yourself in and out of bed.
Sinkage
Different types of mattresses will give you differing degrees of sinkage. When you initially lie on the mattress, the sinking feeling offers instant relief, giving you a lovely cocooned, hugging feeling from the foam around you. While this might sound ideal in mattresses for pregnant women, the initial relief and comfort may be quickly counterbalanced by the frustration you feel when trying to get out of bed in the second and third trimester. The more sinkage you have, the harder it will be to haul yourself out of bed in the middle of the night when you need to visit the bathroom. It is important to find the appropriate balance between comfort, sinkage and support.
Medium-firm mattresses, without an excessively thick layer of top foam, is often recommended during pregnancy, as this gives you a balance of support, comfort but not too much sinking.
Firmness
While each manufacturer will have its own exact definition of what makes a mattress firm or soft, there are some broad categories that will help you make the right choice for your sleeping style. The best mattress for pregnancy is largely influenced by your personal preference but this breakdown should give you a rough guide.
Soft mattresses are said to be best for those who sleep on their side, and who prefer the feeling of being cocooned or hugged while in bed, as you will sink into the top layers. They are also good to relieve pressure points. While many pregnant women switch from being back and stomach sleepers to become side sleepers, a soft mattress will not give you enough back support. Having a mattress that is too soft can actually add to your back pain.
Medium-firm mattresses are designed to give you a balance of support, comfort and pressure relief, and also gives you a compromise if you prefer a soft surface and your partner prefers a firm one. Typically, these mattresses are best for combination sleepers - those who switch between their back, side and stomach while sleeping, but when pregnant, this is also a good option that suits most people. Not too soft that you sink, but soft enough to stop the build-up of pressure points. Plus with medium firm beds, the majority of people will comfortably be able to sleep on these mattresses after pregnancy.
A firm mattress is best for those who need extra lumbar support. In comparison to the other mattresses, a firm option gives you a smoother and flatter surface to lie on. Throughout pregnancy, it is not uncommon to use a standard firm mattress that gives you support but to finish it with a foam mattress topper for extra softness to relieve aches and pains. A firm mattress with no added comfort might aggravate your pressure points as your pregnancy progresses.
Thickness and Durability
There is no set standard on which thickness of the mattress is best, either for pregnancy or regular sleep, but there are a few points you can consider. A mattress is made up of a number of layers; the base layer and then the comfort layers, or layer. The quantity and material used in each layer will determine the overall thickness of the mattress and its durability.
The base layer, or foundation, will largely be responsible for the durability of your mattress, and for the best option mattress for pregnancy, you should opt for those with a base that is five or six inches thick. This will prevent the center of the mattress from sagging and will keep your spine aligned while sleeping.
Above the foundation, the comfort layers offer you temperature regulation, motion isolation and support. With the newest mattress designs, you may even find that these foam layers are split into support layers, which promote spinal alignment and prevent any areas from sagging, and contour layers, which give you pressure relief.
Mattresses that are between 12 and 20 inches are classed as medium to thick mattresses, and these are often the most durable. As a mattress for pregnancy, these will usually be the more expensive but more comfortable and easier to get in and out of.
Those that measure between 8 and 12 inches are classed as standard mattresses and are the most popular, affordable option. Most standard bedding is designed to fit these size beds and they are comfortable enough to use at all stages of pregnancy. You can enhance these with a foam mattress pad for pregnancy if you want an extra few inches of comfort.
It is possible to source a mattress that is over 20 inches and while this may give you a higher level of durability and comfort it can make life a little tricky in other ways. These extra deep mattresses are less common now, partly because they are much more expensive than other options, and also because of the added thickness they cannot be rolled up, making them cumbersome to move or be delivered. You will also find it difficult to get sheets to fit this depth correctly. The best bet is to go for a medium to thick mattress and add a pad if you really want a deep bed.
A bed that is too thin will not give you the support and pressure relief you need, whereas one that is too thick could add to the sinkage and affect your spinal alignment.
Cooling
Amongst the many changes pregnant women face is the unpredictable changes in their body temperatures, caused by the differing levels of hormones floating around. For some women, this is especially noticeable throughout the night.
Several improvements and developments have occurred over previous years when it comes to mattresses, and increased airflow is one of these developments. Ideally, mattresses should breathe, allowing there to be a natural airflow all around them. This helps to maintain a lower body temperature which is preferred for a good night's sleep. The challenge is how to create airflow when there is a highly cushioned surface, caused by springs, foam, and material.
Natural latex is one of the better materials when it comes to natural airflow, with memory foam being one of the worst, making it quite hot when you sleep. If you tend to sleep hot, then you may want to avoid a full foam construction and instead choose one with a cooling quilt top or gel memory foam comfort layers.
Advanced technology has now been included in several types of mattresses, such as copper or titanium infused memory foam which draws heat away from your body. Innerspring constructions will allow for better airflow, which again can keep you cool, especially if there are multiple layers, but these are not ideal for pregnant women. You may consider trying hybrid mattresses as these give you the best cooling features of an innerspring, but with the comfort layers of memory foam or latex beds.
Motion Isolation
Motion isolation is the term given to describe how much movement is absorbed by the mattress when someone moves. In other words, good motion isolation means that if you move, your partner's side of the bed won't, and vice versa. If you share a bed with some who is a relatively still sleeper, then motion isolation won't be important for you. However, if you, or your other half, fidgets a lot during the night then you will really appreciate this feature. Memory foam beds or those made with natural latex are some of the best for absorbing movement.
The opposite of motion isolation is motion transfer. Spring mattresses, especially those with a continuous or open coil construction will have a high level of motion transfer and this can interrupt your sleep throughout the night if your partner tends to move around.
Edge Support
Edge support means the amount of resistance and supports a mattress can provide around the edges and this is important during pregnancy for several reasons.
Firstly, a mattress with reinforced sides or added edge support won't sag or collapse at the edges and this is especially useful if you tend to roll over towards the end of your bed at night. Strengthened edges that don't sag will reduce the likelihood of you sliding off.
Next, if you find yourself sitting on the edge of the bed a lot, then edge support will be a safer option. If you perch on the edge of the mattress to put your shoes on, the perimeter will support your weight and not form a downwards slope.
Lastly, reinforced edges or edge support may also make it easier to push yourself off the mattress when getting out of bed, especially as your pregnancy, and the weight of your bump, increases.
Mattress For Pregnancy FAQ
Q: Is memory foam mattress safe during pregnancy?
A memory foam mattress is perfectly safe during pregnancy and is actually the most recommended material. It provides a good amount of support and is also hypoallergenic, so minimizes your exposure to dust mites and allergens.
The other benefit of memory foam mattresses for pregnant women is that they mould to the contours of your body, offering the right level of comfort and support unique to your shape. And, as your body shape changes throughout your pregnancy, the foam mattress continues to adapt, allowing you to maintain your natural spinal alignment. Hybrid mattresses, that combine the comfort layer of a foam bed with multiple individually pocketed springs give you a higher level of support which is often needed around the lower back. Hybrid mattresses also have the added advantage of being more cooling than pure memory foam options.
If you are naturally a hot sleeper, then there is a strong possibility that during your pregnancy you may notice that you get even hotter during the night due to the changes in your body temperature. This is completely normal but can make things a little uncomfortable. Memory foam, unfortunately, traps your body heat in its top layers, acting like a cocoon to keep you snug and warm. Great when you are cold but not ideal when you are already hot. For hot sleepers, it is worth considering gel memory foam or foam infused with titanium or copper, as their cooling properties counterbalance your body heat. With a hybrid mattress, the air that passes around the individual pockets and between the coils and foam help to maintain airflow, rather than trapping the warm air.
Q: Which mattress firmness is best for pregnancy?
Medium firmness mattresses are usually best for pregnant women. This is ideal for side sleepers, which is often the preferred position during pregnancy and gives you support without allowing your body to sink too much. These help to keep your spine aligned while offering pressure relief to your hips and shoulders when lying on your side. A soft mattress is not recommended for pregnant women who sleep on their side or back as you will sink too much and find it challenging to get out of bed. It may also increase your back pain as you don't get the level of support you need.
A firm mattress will give you all the necessary support but may cause more pain around your pressure points, especially as an increased weight is placed on your joints. If you have a firm mattress and don't want to invest in a maternity mattress or a new mattress just for the duration of your pregnancy, you could opt for a memory foam topper to make it a bit softer.
Q: Are there air mattresses that can accommodate pregnancies?
Advanced air mattresses with edge support may be able to support pregnant women, and those that are adjustable could be very useful as you progress through the different trimesters. Adjustable air pockets can provide enhanced pain relief so you can change the firmness as your body weight and shape change. However, most air mattresses will not offer the amount of support you need during pregnancy. Remember you want to have a reasonable amount of back support, stability when you move around, and comfort to relieve pressure on your joints.
Portable air beds are definitely not recommended as a mattress for pregnancy as they won't keep your spine aligned or distribute your body weight evenly. They also don't come with edge support so you will find it challenging to get in and out of bed in the third trimester and last stages of pregnancy.
Sources
Sleep During Pregnancy - Pregnancy Birth & Baby
8 Best Ways to Improve Sleep During Your Pregnancy - Health Essentials