Written by Loren Bullock, Lead Product Tester
The best mattresses for pregnancy should help to address the many changes that the body undergoes during each trimester, many of which can impact sleep. You may be experiencing hormonal shifts, soreness, an overactive bladder, hot flashes, and even insomnia. But every pregnancy is different, and you’ll want a bed that you can rely on to meet your specific nighttime needs.
Below, I’ve listed some of the best beds for pregnancy and sorted them by their strengths. If you’re expecting a baby and eager to get some quality rest, we hope there’s a mattress on this list that can help.
Our Top Pick for the Best Bed for Pregnancy
We picked the Helix Midnight because of its superior mattress construction and its pressure relieving, supporting layers.
Best Mattresses for Pregnancy
- Helix Midnight – Editor’s Pick
- Emma Original – Best Soft Mattress for Pregnancy
- Nectar – Best Memory Foam Mattress for Pregnancy
- WinkBed – Best Mattress for Back Pain During Pregnancy
- Nolah Signature – Best Mattress for Hip Pain During Pregnancy
- Bear Elite Hybrid – Best Cooling Mattress for Pregnancy
- Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – Best Firm Mattress for Pregnancy
- Saatva Classic – Best Innerspring Mattress for Pregnancy
- Birch Luxe – Best Organic Mattress for Pregnancy
Best Mattresses for Pregnancy Video
Compare the Best Beds for Pregnancy
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| Helix Midnight Mattress | Emma Mattress | Nectar Mattress | WinkBed Mattress | Nolah Signature All-Foam Hybrid Mattress | Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress | Saatva Mattress | Birch Luxe Natural Mattress | |
| Rating | |||||||||
| Firmness | Soft: 6/10 | Soft: 5/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Soft: 5/10 | Soft: 6/10 | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Soft: 6/10 |
| Material | Hybrid | Foam | Foam | Hybrid | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Innerspring | Hybrid |
| Cooling | — |
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| Warranty | 10-year warranty | 10-year warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime Warranty | 10-year warranty | Lifetime warranty | 25-year warranty |
| Shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free white glove delivery | Free shipping |
| Trial Period | 100 nights | 365 nights | 365 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 365 nights | 100 Nights |
| Best For | Couples, Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers | Hot Sleepers, Kids, Back Sleepers | Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Hip Pain, Joint Pain | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hot Sleepers, Side Sleepers | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Hot Sleepers | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers | Couples, Back Sleepers | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hot Sleepers | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers |
Sleep Advisor’s Testing Methodology
At Sleep Advisor, our mattress reviews are based on findings from in-person tests that allow us to have a genuine understanding of how the mattress feels and performs. We look at features that are valuable to consumers, such as temperature control, bounce, edge support, and motion isolation.
We also evaluate mattress performance for back, side, and stomach sleeping. Lying in different positions lets us know how supportive the bed is and if it’s good at relieving pressure.
We then take all the information we’ve gathered to rate the bed in specific categories. These results allow us to help our readers find the right mattress for their needs.
The Top Mattresses for Pregnancy, Reviewed
Helix Midnight Mattress
Part of Helix’s core line of mattresses, the Midnight has a hybrid construction that’s particularly suited to back and side sleepers.
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Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Midnight Mattress
Part of Helix’s core line of mattresses, the Midnight has a hybrid construction that’s particularly suited to back and side sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Midnight Mattress
Part of Helix’s core line of mattresses, the Midnight has a hybrid construction that’s particularly suited to back and side sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Why the Helix Midnight Earned Best Mattress for Pregnancy Overall
I chose the Helix Midnight to top this list because of its well-balanced feel, affordability, and awesome pressure relief—all of which are big comfort factors for pregnant people. For me, this hybrid bed had the perfect mix of cushiony foams and support from its springs.
When I tested it on my back and side, my spine stayed aligned from my neck to my tailbone. (It’s not a great fit for stomach sleeping, but that’s not a recommended position during pregnancy.) My team and I were also really impressed by its motion isolation, which should help both a pregnant sleeper and a partner get uninterrupted rest.
What’s the Helix Midnight Made Of?
The Helix Midnight is 11.5 inches tall and has six layers if you count its top cover.
- Layer 1 – Cover. A soft cover that you can upgrade to a GlacioTex™ cooling version for an additional fee.
- Layer 2 – Memory Plus Foam. Helix’s branded take on memory foam. This layer cushions your joints and relieves pressure.
- Layer 3 – Helix Responsive Foam. A bouncier foam that also molds to your body.
- Layer 4 – Helix Responsive Foam. Firmer than the layer above, this is the last of the upper comfort foams.
- Layer 5 – Coils. Individually wrapped coils move independently of one another to prevent motion transfer. They’re also reinforced along the long edges of the bed.
- Layer 6 – DuraDense Foam. A sturdy, thick foam base.
My Take: We used a pressure map that shows weight distribution and found that [the Helix Midnight] evenly distributes weight, which helps to keep pressure off of the hips and shoulders of side sleepers. Big thumbs up from me here.
What We Liked
- Hybrid harmony – The best hybrid mattresses find just the right amount of overlap between support and softness, and the Helix Midnight excels at this balance. It feels plush at the top but also pleasantly buoying.
- Dampens motion well – We test motion isolation in a few different ways, from having people jump onto the bed to measuring disturbances with a seismograph. The Midnight canceled out the effects of movement extremely well—especially for a hybrid—no matter what we threw it at.
Potential Drawbacks
- Edges aren’t awesome – Lying or sitting on the very edges of the Midnight didn’t feel very secure. I sunk deep into the foam layers and was at risk of rolling off.
- No extra cooling – Airflow around the Midnight’s springs may keep pregnant sleepers from overheating, but there weren’t any other components that wowed me with their temperature control.
Customer Reviews of the Helix Midnight
The Helix Midnight rates 4.5 stars out of 5 on Helix’s website. The main negative is that reviewers tend to find it too soft for their liking and feel as though they’re sinking. But overall, users say they’re getting a great nights’ sleep and some pain relief.
Want to know more? Read our complete Helix Midnight mattress review or explore the best mattresses for side sleepers.
Emma Mattress
The Emma mattress offers support, cooling, and motion isolation, so it’s a good option for hot sleepers, couples, and those in need of maximum support for healthy sleep posture.
Material
Foam
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 5/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Emma Mattress
The Emma mattress offers support, cooling, and motion isolation, so it’s a good option for hot sleepers, couples, and those in need of maximum support for healthy sleep posture.
Material
Foam
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Soft: 5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Emma Mattress
The Emma mattress offers support, cooling, and motion isolation, so it’s a good option for hot sleepers, couples, and those in need of maximum support for healthy sleep posture.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Soft: 5/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Why the Emma Original Earned Best Soft Mattress for Pregnancy
Given the aches and pains that can come with pregnancy, a soft mattress that offers oodles of pressure relief can be a welcome sight at the end of the day. We gave the Emma Original a 5 out of 10 on our firmness scale, meaning it’s quite a bit softer than average—most mattresses hover in the medium-firm zone, around 6.5 out of 10.
The all-foam construction of this bed readily and soothingly cradles your body. Its proprietary foams also have a little something special in each layer, whether it’s air pockets for cooling or zones that offer specialized support to different areas.
What’s the Emma Original Mattress Made Of?
The Emma Original is 10 inches tall and has a total of four layers.
- Layer 1 – Cover. A removable cover that you can throw in the washer.
- Layer 2 – Airgocell® Foam. A soft, temperature-regulating foam with air pockets in its structure breathable structure.
- Layer 3 – Halo Memory Foam™. Pressure-relieving foam that molds to the shape of your silhouette.
- Layer 4 – HRX (High Resiliency Extra) Foam. A base layer of strong foam with three defined zones. The zones provide different amounts of pushback depending on their location to best support the different areas of the body.
Our Take: The Emma Original proves that a four-layer, all-foam mattress doesn’t have to be simple. Each of the foams has a distinct and useful function beyond generalized comfort, and they join forces to create a plush, surprisingly affordable bed.
What We Liked
- Advanced, airy foam – Rather than rely on the stuffy, dense foams of the past, Emma uses cooling Airgocell® foam that’s replete with tiny air chambers for better pressure relief and cooling.
- Budget-friendly option – Sales are common on the Emma website, and you can sometimes snag a queen-size model of this bed for hundreds less than $1,000.
Potential Drawbacks
- Not a lot of lift – This is a soft mattress with lots of give to it, not a hybrid that will make you feel “boosted” up. If you like feeling a more springy, actively supportive base, I recommend looking at a model with coils.
- Not for larger people – The foam layers in the Emma Original aren’t designed to provide the level of support that plus-size folks need.
Customer Reviews of The Emma Mattress
On the Emma website, reviews of their original mattress put it at 4.7 out of 5 stars. One negative aspect of the Emma Original mattress, according to some customers, is its softer firmness level, while a positive aspect highlighted by many customers is its excellent motion isolation.
Want to know more? Visit our in-depth Emma mattress review or explore our top picks for the best soft mattresses.
Nectar Mattress
Nectar offers the deeper hug of a traditional memory foam bed but with updated cooling and a Forever warranty.
Material
Foam
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Nectar Mattress
Nectar offers the deeper hug of a traditional memory foam bed but with updated cooling and a Forever warranty.
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Nectar Mattress
Nectar offers the deeper hug of a traditional memory foam bed but with updated cooling and a Forever warranty.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Why the Nectar Earned Best Memory Foam Mattress for Pregnancy
Memory foam surrounds your body and literally takes the pressure off of you as soon as you lie down. For this reason, it’s a lovely material to sink into while you’re pregnant. Nectar’s flagship bed is an all-foam model known for its generous policies, low price, and cradling yet medium-firm feel.
According to my fellow lead product tester, Julia, this bed hits an ideal overlap of plushness and underlying sturdiness. “You can sink into the bed easily from the top two layers, but still feel plenty of support (especially around the lumbar) from the firm, dense foam at the base.”
What’s the Nectar Mattress Made Of?
The Nectar has three internal foam layers between a top and bottom cover. It stands 12 inches high.
- Layer 1 – Top Cover. Cooling polyethylene fibers strive to keep the surface of the bed from warming up too much.
- Layer 2 – Gel Memory Foam (2 inches). Infused with gel to ward off heat, this memory foam layer relieves pressure and contours to your curves.
- Layer 3 – Dynamic Response Foam (3 inches). This foam is slightly firmer and springier than the one above, helping to keep your spine alive.
- Layer 4 – ActiveSupport Foam Base (7 inches). Thick, long-lasting foam forms the foundation of the bed.
- Layer 5 – Lower Cover. The bottom cover holds all the layers in and prevents them from sliding around.
Our Take: “Memory foam is such a good material for side sleepers … With the topmost foam layers made for pressure relief and responsiveness, I really like how this molds around the body.” – Julia Forbes, Lead Product Tester
What We Liked
- Policies and price – Nectar offers a one-year sleep trial and a forever warranty on their mattresses, which are priced more affordably than most competitors’ beds to begin with. Julia and I view them as the gold standard for a customer-forward brand.
- Keeps motion to a minimum – As an all-foam bed, the Nectar absorbs motion extremely well. Even if you’re having trouble finding the right position to sleep in while pregnant, you probably won’t disturb any partners sleeping next to you.
Potential Drawbacks
- Might heat up – Even with gel-infused foam and a cooling cover, the Nectar won’t be able to cool you down as much as a hybrid or latex mattress. If you tend to sleep very hot, look into one of those options.
- Not for plus-size sleepers – “Memory foam, even on the firmer side of things, is not my first choice for plus size sleepers,” Julia commented after testing. “Heavier sleepers need a bit more support, and the lack of coils in the Nectar mattress makes me a little bit concerned for sleepers after a couple of years of use.”
Customer Reviews of The Nectar Mattress
With thousands of reviews on Nectar’s website, the Nectar mattress has an average 4.8 out of 5 stars. One common customer complaint about the Nectar mattress is its longer-than-average break-in period, while many customers praise its excellent value and comfort once fully settled.
Want to learn more? Visit our in-depth Nectar mattress review or consult our list of the best memory foam mattresses.
WinkBed Mattress
WinkBed is a luxury hybrid bed with a variety of comfort features that should make it a versatile pick for most sleeping positions.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
WinkBed Mattress
WinkBed is a luxury hybrid bed with a variety of comfort features that should make it a versatile pick for most sleeping positions.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
WinkBed Mattress
WinkBed is a luxury hybrid bed with a variety of comfort features that should make it a versatile pick for most sleeping positions.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Why the WinkBed Earned Best Mattress for Back Pain During Pregnancy
Back pain (and especially lower back pain) is a common complaint during pregnancy. To help counteract it, you’ll want a mattress that provides dedicated lumbar support and, most likely, a medium-firm feel.
The WinkBed meets these qualifications and then some. Not only does it have a dedicated LumbarLayer™—a layer of foam designed to give the lower back some bracing support—but it also has a zoned coil unit that should give just the right amount of pushback to the lumbar region. Personally, I think this mattress feels like a quality hotel bed, and its versatility should be a boon for pregnant people who shift between sleeping positions.
What’s the WinkBed Made Of?
The WinkBed is 13.5 inches high and can be ordered in one of four different firmness levels: Softer, Luxury Firm, Firmer, and Plus. The Plus is meant for plus-size sleepers and has a slightly different construction.
- Tencel™ Cover – A cover made from breathable fabric derived from Eucalyptus wood pulp.
- Euro Top – A plush Euro top forms the first pressure-relieving layer of the bed. It’s quilted with gel-infused foam for softness and temperature regulation.
- Additional Foam Layers – Before the coil unit of the bed, other comfort foams—including the LumbarLayer™—help with both comfort and support.
- Coils – The springs in the WinkBed are individually wrapped and separated into support zones for specialized amounts of pushback in different areas. They’re also reinforced along the edges of the bed.
My Take: I scored the WinkBed very high in the pain-relief category. The pressure-relieving foams and zoned support work to keep your body weight evenly distributed, and the built-in lumbar support helps to prevent back pain.
What We Liked
- Lots of options – Having the precise feel you want from your bed is important during pregnancy. With four firmness levels to choose from, the WinkBed caters to a wide range of comfort preferences.
- Responsive for easy movement – The springs inside the WinkBed make it bouncy and responsive, which means it helps rather than hinders movement during the night.
Potential Drawbacks
- Low motion isolation – I didn’t give the WinkBed very high marks in motion isolation. When someone moves on this bed, a partner lying next to them will probably feel the disturbance.
- Not very cuddly – Although the Euro top is soft, the WinkBed is not a “sink in slowly” kind of mattress. It elevates you more than it cradles you, which can be an issue for sleepers who love the feel of foam.
Customer Reviews of The WinkBed
On the WinkBeds site, the WinkBed earns a 4.8 out of 5 stars. One drawback of the WinkBed mattress is that it might be too expensive for budget-conscious shoppers, but overall it offers excellent durability and customizable firmness options.
Want to learn more? Visit our in-depth WinkBed review or peruse the best mattresses for back pain.
Nolah Signature All-Foam Hybrid Mattress
With 75% more cooling AirFoam™ than Nolah Original, the Nolah Signature Foam Hybrid is an excellent option for hot sleepers and side sleepers with pressure build-up.
Read Nolah Signature All-Foam Hybrid Mattress Review
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Nolah Signature All-Foam Hybrid Mattress
With 75% more cooling AirFoam™ than Nolah Original, the Nolah Signature Foam Hybrid is an excellent option for hot sleepers and side sleepers with pressure build-up.
Read Nolah Signature All-Foam Hybrid Mattress Review
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Soft: 5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Nolah Signature All-Foam Hybrid Mattress
With 75% more cooling AirFoam™ than Nolah Original, the Nolah Signature Foam Hybrid is an excellent option for hot sleepers and side sleepers with pressure build-up.
Read Nolah Signature All-Foam Hybrid Mattress Review
Material
Foam
Firmness
Soft: 5/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Why the Nolah Signature Earned Best Mattress for Hip Pain During Pregnancy
Hip pain can be a bothersome issue during pregnancy, and when you’re experiencing it, you definitely don’t want your bed to exacerbate it. If you anticipate a lot of soreness in your hips, then your ideal mattress will be quite soft and cushy to take the pressure off of this key joint.
We’ve had several testers try out the Nolah Signature, and they universally agreed: it’s a hip-soothing pillow of a bed. “The Nolah Signature is a softer mattress, so it’s going to excel for side sleepers who want pressure relief in their shoulders and hips,” Emma concluded.
What’s the Nolah Signature Made Of?
The Nolah Signature is 12 inches tall with five layers.
- Layer 1 – Organic Cotton Cover. An unbleached cover with all the breathability of softness you’d expect from organic cotton.
- Layer 2 – Plush AirFoam™ (2.5 inches). Nolah’s updated take on memory foam molds to your body while resisting heat buildup.
- Layer 3 – Active Response Foam (1.5 inches). A springy foam layer with impressive breathability.
- Layer 4 – Firm AirFoam™ (1 inch). Another, slightly firmer layer of AirFoam™ rounds out the contouring foams in the bed.
- Layer 5 – High-Density Foam Foundation (7 inches). A stabilizing foam base.
Our Take: “When sleeping on my side, I love this bed. It’s like a dream. It’s like memory foam but it has a much cooler feel.” – Emma Mattei, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
What We Liked
- Super soft with a thick base – Liz, a tester who has experience with joint pain, enjoyed the Nolah Signature immensely. “They somehow found the perfect mix of plush to firm,” she said, adding that the bed was quite cushiony up top with reassuring support at the bottom.
- Amazing motion isolation – “Foam beds are wonderful when it comes to motion transfer, and this Nolah mattress is no exception,” said Emma. She felt “virtually no motion transfer” on the bed.
Potential Drawbacks
- Weak edges – Testers did notice that the Nolah Signature’s edges were prone to buckling when weight was applied. “The edge support wasn’t as strong as I would like it to be, as someone who sleeps with a partner,” said Mark.
- Won’t have enough support for larger bodies – One plus-size tester, Sean, remarked that although this bed was pleasingly soft, it just didn’t have the right amount of support for him. I’d recommend a firmer bed for people who weigh more than 230 pounds or so.
Customer Reviews of The Nolah Signature
The Nolah Signature gets a 4.8 out of 5 stars on Nolah’s website. One potential drawback of the Nolah Signature mattress is its limited firmness options, but it excels in providing exceptional pressure relief and a cooling sleep experience.
Want to learn more? Visit our in-depth Nolah Signature review here or explore our picks for the best beds for hip pain.
Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
With coils and foam layers, this Bear mattress offers zoned support without taking away from the pressure-relieving properties. The bed also has copper infusions to ensure the best cooling for hot sleepers and athletes.
Read Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress Review
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Warranty
Lifetime Warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
With coils and foam layers, this Bear mattress offers zoned support without taking away from the pressure-relieving properties. The bed also has copper infusions to ensure the best cooling for hot sleepers and athletes.
Read Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress Review
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime Warranty
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
With coils and foam layers, this Bear mattress offers zoned support without taking away from the pressure-relieving properties. The bed also has copper infusions to ensure the best cooling for hot sleepers and athletes.
Read Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress Review
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime Warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Why the Bear Elite Hybrid Earned Best Cooling Mattress for Pregnancy
As my fellow tester Stuart put it, “Bear knows that sleeping cool helps you have a restorative night’s sleep.” This mattress company invests a lot into its temperature-regulating materials, and you can tell from the moment you try the Bear Elite Hybrid.
“The cooling was immediately noticeable as I lied down on the bed, and I’m pretty sure that it would do a good job of keeping anyone cool throughout the night,” Stuart reported. This effect is due to the mix of cooling fabrics in the mattress’s cover, as well as the copper-infused memory foam in its comfort layers and the airflow around its coils. If you’re prone to hot flashes while pregnant, or a hot sleeper in general, you’ll probably appreciate these touches.
What’s the Bear Elite Hybrid Made Of?
The Bear Elite Hybrid is 14 inches high and has five layers. It can be ordered in a Firm, Medium, or Soft feel.
- Layer 1 – Cover. A blend of cooling phase-change material and Celliant® fibers—which may assist with muscle recovery after the day’s activities—makes this cover a noticeably refreshing sleep surface.
- Layer 2 – Copper-Infused Memory Foam. This foam molds to the shape of your body while the copper inside of it prevents both overheating and bacterial buildup.
- Layer 3 – Dynamic Transition Foam. A layer that adds even more contouring while protecting you from feeling any pokes from the spring unit.
- Layer 4 – Coils. The individually wrapped springs are divided into support zones. Each zone offers a specific amount of pushback based on its position beneath your body. The coils are also stronger around the edges of the mattress.
- Layer 5 – High-Density Support Foam. A strong foam base.
Our Take: “This bed is great for couples, especially those looking for a really luxurious high-end feel … It’s built to relieve pressure in the areas you sleep on and support the areas that need a little extra boost, specifically the lumbar area.” – Stuart Petty, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
What We Liked
- A softer hybrid – “One of the things that I liked the most about the Bear Elite Hybrid was that it contoured to my hips and shoulders really really well,” Stuart said. Despite the “quick response and support from the springs” (which he also valued), he found that this bed felt quite cushiony for a hybrid.
- Reliable edge support – Stuart described the edges as “extra-reinforced,” which is a big advantage if you share the bed or tend to roll over near the side in your sleep.
Potential Drawbacks
- Pricey – “This mattress is more expensive than most beds-in-a-box, which is something to consider,” Stuart advised. Bear does carry models with fewer upgrades if you’re interested in browsing a more basic, less expensive mattress.
- Too soft for stomach sleeping – This may not be of particular concern to pregnant sleepers, but the Bear Elite Hybrid isn’t great for snoozing on your stomach. “I felt comfortable in all sleeping positions on this bed, but exclusive stomach sleepers may not like the plush feel as much,” Stuart said.
Customer Reviews of the Bear Elite Hybrid
According to Bear’s website, the Bear Elite Hybrid scores about 4.5 out of 5 stars. Some customers find the Bear Elite Hybrid mattress too firm for their liking, but it receives praise in its reviews for its advanced cooling technology and pressure relief.
Need more details? Read our full Bear Elite Hybrid mattress review or explore the best cooling mattresses.
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is priced similarly to other bed-in-the-box options, it represents a fantastic value in the hybrid market.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is priced similarly to other bed-in-the-box options, it represents a fantastic value in the hybrid market.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is priced similarly to other bed-in-the-box options, it represents a fantastic value in the hybrid market.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Why the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Earned Best Firm Mattress for Pregnancy
Sometimes, pregnancy symptoms are better eased by a firm, supportive surface than one that sinks too deeply. If you tend to prefer a flatter, bouncier bed, the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid may be a great choice. It’s available in a Soft, Medium, or Firm feel—and our testers thought the Medium version felt firmer than average.
According to Stuart, this mattress really lifts you up and responds well to movement. If you tend to switch between sleeping positions, it should make your nightly adjusting easier rather than causing you to feel stuck.
What’s the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Made Of?
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid has five total layers and stands 12.25 inches tall. The thickness of the top three comfort layers varies depending on which feel you order: Soft, Medium, or Firm.
- Layer 1 – Quilted Top. A soft upper layer of quilted foam that feels cushiony but shouldn’t retain any body impressions.
- Layer 2 – Supreme Response Comfort Foam. A springy foam with quick responsiveness.
- Layer 3 – VariFlex™ Transition Foam. A transitional foam between the upper layers and the spring unit.
- Layer 4 – Ascension® Coils. Reinforced along the edges of the bed, these coils are also individually wrapped to promote motion isolation.
- Layer 5 – Flex Base. A dense foam base.
Our Take: “I like how firm this bed feels. It’s very supportive, which is great for back and stomach sleepers. It almost feels like the bed is lifting me up.” – Stuart, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
What We Liked
- Bounces back quickly – “Because it’s so responsive, adjusting positions is super easy,” Stuart commented. This is a useful feature if you’re a restless sleeper or part of a sexually active couple (or both!).
- Robust edge support – Thanks to the stronger coils along the edges of the bed, “you can maximize every inch of the surface,” Stuart reported. “[This] is ideal if you share a mattress with a partner, kids, pets, whomever.”
Potential Drawbacks
- Not a ton of pressure relief – The testing team didn’t recommend this bed for exclusive side sleepers or people who need a lot of cushioning to feel cozy. It has some give at the top, but you’ll feel more elevated than hugged.
- Built for function, not style – “This bed doesn’t have a ton of bells and whistles,” Stuart said. “But it’s a pretty solid bed for the price that you’re paying.”
Customer Reviews of The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
On Brooklyn Bedding’s website, the Brooklyn Signature has 4.7 out of 5 stars. The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress receives praise from customers for its versatility with different firmness options, but some have mentioned that it may produce slight noise when bearing weight.
Looking for more info? Check out our complete Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress review or check out our top picks for the best firm mattresses.
Saatva Mattress
Coil-on-coil structure gives this elevated innerspring bed a luxurious feel and versatility.
Material
Innerspring
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Saatva Mattress
Coil-on-coil structure gives this elevated innerspring bed a luxurious feel and versatility.
Material
Innerspring
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Saatva Mattress
Coil-on-coil structure gives this elevated innerspring bed a luxurious feel and versatility.
Material
Innerspring
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Why the Saatva Classic Earned Best Innerspring Mattress for Pregnancy
Innerspring mattresses put their emphasis on supportive coil units rather than layers and layers of foams. The result is a bed with a lovely amount of lift and lots of bounce, both of which can be beneficial qualities for pregnant folks (especially if they move around in their sleep).
The Saatva Classic has two innerspring units rather than one, making it a standout mattress in this category. Its Euro top and memory foam lumbar crown also avoids any of the pokiness to be found in outdated innerspring models.
What’s the Saatva Classic Made Of?
- Euro Pillow Top. A soft and luxurious introduction to the bed, complete with an organic cotton cover and firmer quilting beneath the lumbar region.
- Memory Foam Lumbar Crown. A strip of foam that shores up support for the lower back.
- First Innerspring Unit. Shorter, individually wrapped coils comprise the first innerspring unit, with stronger springs beneath the lower back.
- Lumbar Zone® Active Spinal Wire. A wire within the spring units that bolsters the lumbar region even more.
- Second Innerspring Unit. The second coil unit has interconnected springs that up the bed’s longevity and resist sagging over time.
- High-Density Foam Rails. A frame of thick, dense foam strengthens the perimeter of the bed for edge support.
Our Take: “This is a bed that’s super approachable for all sleep types, whether you’re a side sleeper, back, or combination of these … It does a great job of supporting your lower back thanks to the dual coils.” – Julia, Lead Product Tester
What We Liked
- You can order the right bed for your preferences – Due to its customizability and considered mix of support and comfort features, the Saatva Classic “works for just about everyone,” said Julia. Stuart agreed: “You can sleep in just about any position on this mattress and still feel comfortable.”
- Plush start, supportive finish – Both reviewers were fond of the Classic’s soft pillow top and robust spring units. “[I get] nice cushioning from the pillow top, and [I] feel very supported from the top pocket coil layer especially,” said Julia. Stuart added: “Right when I lie on this mattress, I feel a plush, comfy cover that’s immediately supported by the spinal wire and lumbar foam beneath.”
- Delivery with perks – The Saatva Classic is never compressed into a box, but delivered in its natural state, ready to be slept upon. Saatva’s delivery teams will also carry the bed into a room of your choice, and even lug your old mattress way.
Potential Drawbacks
- Cooling isn’t a top priority – “[I] wouldn’t say this is specifically a cooling mattress,” Julia remarked. She wasn’t too warm, but she didn’t feel super cool, either. “I felt like my body temperature was maintained throughout the duration of testing.”
- Motion might travel – Because the Classic has two innerspring units, “You can definitely feel big movements,” Julia said. “Small shifts are pretty even-keeled, [but] moving from side to back causes big shakes.”
Customer Reviews of The Saatva Mattress
The Saatva Classic rates 4.8 stars out of 5 on Saatva’s website. One negative aspect customers found with the Saatva Classic mattress is that it may feel too firm for some users, while a notable advantage is its high-quality materials, providing durability and support.
Interested in exploring further? View our Saatva Classic mattress review or discover the best innerspring mattresses.
Birch Luxe Natural Mattress
This hybrid combines eco-friendly latex with durable coils to provide excellent zoned support, airflow, and motion isolation for a range of sleepers including those who struggle with sweating and overheating.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 Nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Warranty
25-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Birch Luxe Natural Mattress
This hybrid combines eco-friendly latex with durable coils to provide excellent zoned support, airflow, and motion isolation for a range of sleepers including those who struggle with sweating and overheating.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
25-year warranty
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 Nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Birch Luxe Natural Mattress
This hybrid combines eco-friendly latex with durable coils to provide excellent zoned support, airflow, and motion isolation for a range of sleepers including those who struggle with sweating and overheating.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Trial Period
100 Nights
Warranty
25-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Why the Birch Luxe Earned Best Organic Mattress for Pregnancy
If shopping organic is important to you, the Birch Luxe could be a lovely addition to your bedroom for your pregnancy. It’s a hybrid bed chock-full of organic and natural ingredients, including cotton, cashmere, wool, and latex.
The Birch Luxe is also a very responsive bed with dedicated lumbar and edge support. These features, along with its innate cooling abilities, can be advantageous if you’re experiencing restlessness while pregnant.
What’s the Birch Luxe Mattress Made Of?
The Birch Luxe has eight layers and stands approximately 11.5 inches tall.
- Layer 1 – Quilted Euro Top Cover. Woven in the matelassé technique, the organic cotton cover on this bed is both soft and airy.
- Layer 2 – Organic Wool. This wool layers stands in for a synthetic fire retardant.
- Layer 3 – Organic Cashmere and Organic Wool. An opulent comfort layer made of two organic fabrics, both of which also help with temperature regulation.
- Layers 4 & 5 – Organic Wool. The next two layers are made of organic wool for even more plushness and cooling properties.
- Layer 6 – Natural Latex. A springy, pressure-relieving layer that’s been sustainably made from the sap of rubber trees.
- Layer 7 – Coils. A zoned coil unit boasts stronger springs beneath the lumbar region and reinforced edges.
- Layer 8 – Organic Wool Base Layer. A final fire-resistant wool layer.
Our Take: With its added pillow top and luxurious comfort layers, the Birch Luxe is a swanky improvement over the original Birch mattress. Not many mattresses combine organic and luxury materials like this one.
What We Liked
- Cooling – The components of the Birch Luxe have a natural talent for cooling. Latex is a far less dense foam than poly foam, for example, and both the wool and cashmere in the comfort layers regulate temperature well.
- Special fabrics and touches – Cashmere is a rare material to find in a mattress, and organic cashmere is even more coveted. Coupled with the matelassé cover, it noticeably raises the bed’s fancy factor.
Potential Drawbacks
- Not for diehard foam fans – There are no synthetic foams in this mattress, so you won’t get that slow-sinking feeling that memory foam provides. If that’s important to you, check out some of the all-foam choices above this one.
- Too firm for some sleepers – Petite side sleepers probably won’t love this bed, because they won’t sink deep enough into its layers and will experience it as pretty firm.
Customer Reviews of The Birch Luxe
Birch mattresses have a 4.6 rating out of 5 stars on their site. Customers often appreciate the Birch Luxe mattress for its eco-friendly, organic materials but some have found it to be slightly more expensive than other mattresses in its category.
Want to learn more? Visit our in-depth Birch Luxe mattress review or browse our picks for the best organic mattresses.
What to Look for in a Mattress for Pregnancy
Buying a mattress while you’re pregnant can be challenging because your body is changing rapidly, and your needs and preferences might be changing right along with it. Can you find a bed that can adapt to your changing needs and help you sleep comfortably? We think you can, and the following is information that can take you through some of the most important considerations for expectant mothers.
Everyone’s body is unique, and every pregnancy is unique to your body. Those who are older or have pre-existing sleep conditions should take those into account when shopping for a bed. You may also consider talking to your doctor about what positions and special needs your particular pregnancy may require and applying what you learn to the following shopping guide.
Type of Mattress
Innerspring Mattresses
Innerspring mattresses are the most traditional of mattresses. They include a layer of steel, innerspring coils, and a thin comfort layer of some kind on top. These beds tend to feel springy and supportive, and they are often firmer because they don’t have more comfort layers.
While these beds are usually supportive, they lack pressure relief, which is a disadvantage for pregnant people, who are recommended to sleep on their side1. This is because pressure can easily
accumulate on the shoulder and hip, so having a pressure-relieving mattress is ideal.
Hybrid Mattresses
A hybrid mattress includes a layer of innerspring coils, as well as several comfort layers on top. Often these comfort layers are made from foam, like memory foam or latex, creating a bed that provides a combination of support and pressure relief.
Hybrid beds tend to feel somewhat bouncy but provide more cushioning than a traditional innerspring bed. This can make hybrids an excellent choice for pregnant people, who will need excellent support to keep their back in a neutral alignment but will also need some extra pressure relief for side sleeping. With the added weight of pregnancy, it’s important to have both.
Memory Foam Mattresses
Memory foam mattresses are made completely of foam and don’t include any springs, though there are hybrids that also have memory foam in them. With all-foam memory beds, they aren’t bouncy but instead focus on pressure relief. These are an excellent choice for people who experience joint pain since the mattress will gently cradle your sensitive joints rather than add any pressure.
If you’re somebody who weighs more than 230 pounds or so during pregnancy, mattresses made completely of foam may not be quite supportive enough to keep your spine comfortable through the night. They also tend to retain heat, so if you’re a hot sleeper, be sure to consider memory foam beds with additional cooling properties, like perforated or gel cooling foam.
Latex Mattresses
Latex mattresses are made with latex foam and can either be entirely made from latex or be a hybrid, which includes a layer of coils. Natural latex is derived from the sap of rubber trees and then molded into a block of latex, which tends to feel responsive, durable, and somewhat bouncy.
Compared to memory foam, latex feels more taut and bouncy; you won’t slowly sink into latex like you will with memory foam, though latex can still do well at pressure relief. It’s also a naturally cooling material, so if you get hot at night, it could be a better option.
Latex can be made naturally or synthetically. The benefit of natural latex is that it is one of the most sustainable and environmentally friendly mattress materials.
Other Considerations When Shopping for a Mattress for Pregnancy
Sleeping Position
Your mattress needs, with regard to your sleep position, might change a bit when you’re pregnant. For example, if you’ve always been a stomach or back sleeper, you’ve likely had to adjust to sleeping on your side.
Side sleepers need to focus on pressure relief in that position because the curvier edges of your body are bearing more weight and tend to develop uncomfortable pressure buildup.
Want to know more? Check out our best mattress for side sleepers.
Weight/Body Type of Sleepers
Not all pregnant bodies are the same, and there is a huge range of weights and body types among pregnant people. This matters because it will inform what type of mattress you’ll feel the most comfortable and supported on. For example, lighter-weight people can feel more supported on softer beds than heavier people. This is because they won’t sink down into the bed as much. Heavier people, on the other hand, will need a bed that includes more support, like a layer of coils or denser, more supportive foam.
It’s always a good idea to check the mattress’s weight capacity, and even ask a sales rep or an online chat representative what the ideal weight range for the bed is.
Firmness
What firmness level you need will depend on what blend of materials is required to support good spine alignment while melting your pressure away with a good amount of comfort. A bed that is too soft may hold your body too deeply inside the mattress and make repositioning more difficult, especially as you try to maneuver while pregnant. A bed that is too firm may cause too much pressure to build up.
Beds in the medium to medium-firm range tend to deliver a good balance of these two mattress characteristics for most bodies, but a lot may depend on your size and sleep position. Remember, though, that firmness is subjective, and what is indicated by the manufacturer or a reviewer may not be what you experience, depending on your body size and shape.
Need help? Check out our mattress firmness guide.
Cooling
Pregnant women can feel warmer because they have more blood in their bodies.2 Though foam does a great job reducing pressure, it can sometimes allow heat to build up, so be sure to look for materials that help heat dissipate or allow more air to flow through the mattress, such as breathable covers, gel memory foam, latex, and innerspring coils.
View Our Guide: Best Cooling Mattresses
Motion Isolation
If you’re getting up and down throughout the night using the restroom or after the baby is born to nurse, you do run the risk of disturbing your partner or vice versa. Foams that absorb vibrations often do an exceptional job at reducing motion transfer, as do coils that are individually wrapped in cloth or foam. Memory foam, specifically, is often good at keeping motion isolated to one side of the mattress.
Sex
According to the American Pregnancy Association3, it is safe to engage in sex throughout a normal, healthy pregnancy until you go into labor or your water breaks. That said, it’s important to understand how pregnancy can impact sex. For example, the American Pregnancy Association cites discomfort in certain positions like missionary, tender breasts, and increased blood flow to the pelvic area as some potential issues couples may need to navigate.3
Most importantly, we advise consulting with your doctor before having sex while pregnant to ensure it is safe for you and the baby.
If your physician says it’s safe, the next step is to make sure you have a mattress that’s conducive to sex. Of course, this really comes down to personal preference, but a lot of couples tend to appreciate the bounce that mattresses including springs can provide. This means both innerspring and hybrid beds. Memory foam can be a great option for motion isolation (meaning you’re less likely to wake your partner during the night), but this also means they have hardly any bounce, which can be less preferable for those who are having sex.
Pressure Relief
Those looking for enhanced pressure relief often find it in a deep-hugging mattress, but this may not be ideal for pregnant people. Even if you commit to one sleeping position, you are likely to get up to use the bathroom, and pulling yourself out of a deeper hug each time could be difficult. We recommend a bed that gives you enough pressure relief but still keeps you comfortably lifted.
Learn More: Best Mattresses for Pressure Relief
Edge Support
Sturdy edges can increase the overall usable surface area of your bed, which is ideal if you like to spread out without sacrificing support. This is also important for new parents who intend to share their bed with their new baby and need a bit of extra room.
Budget
There are many costs incurred during pregnancy and having a baby. While a mattress purchase is an important investment, it’s not necessary to break your budget to support your pregnancy. There are tons of affordable beds available, especially online or with financing, that can help curb costs.
Sleep Problems During Pregnancy
Research shows that getting enough sleep is vital for a healthy pregnancy. Without it, there is a higher risk for certain complications4 like preeclampsia or high blood pressure. Unfortunately, it can also be difficult to get enough sleep during pregnancy for many people. This can be caused by a variety of factors5, including the increased nausea, heartburn, nocturia (the need to urinate at night), and back pain that accompanies most pregnancies.
Even your hormones are working against sleep during pregnancy. Progesterone increases during this time, which can promote sleepiness during the day and a desire to go to bed early, but it can also fragment sleep through the night. Later on in pregnancy when oxytocin increases, this also tends to increase restlessness at night.5
Not to mention, by the second or third trimester, as your body changes and your belly grows, it can be difficult to find a comfortable sleeping position. Weight gain as well as increased estrogen can also cause swelling of the nasal tissue, increasing the likelihood of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.
All of these factors make for a difficult time sleeping for many pregnant people, so finding a mattress that can help in any way is key.
How Can A Mattress Help During Pregnancy?
- Better support – The body undergoes many changes during pregnancy. As your midsection expands, a lot of pressure is placed on your hips and lower back as your spine tries to maintain a neutral alignment. A supportive mattress could help alleviate any back pain you might experience.
- Pressure relief – Side sleepers typically experience excess pressure in the shoulders and hips, but pregnant people may also feel pressure in their bellies. A comfy mattress can minimize pressure in these areas.
- Better cooling – Many mattresses on the market come with impressive cooling features, which can be an added bonus during pregnancy when you feel warm.
Learn more: Sleeping for Two: Complete Guide to Sleeping While Pregnant
What is the Best Sleeping Position During Pregnancy?
Back Sleeping
Experts say that sleeping on your back should be fine during the first trimester when your belly hasn’t yet started growing.1 That said, during the second and particularly third trimesters of pregnancy, back sleeping should be avoided because it can put pressure6 on important blood vessels, as well as on the back and intestines as the uterus increases in size. Back sleeping during late pregnancy has also been shown to increase the likelihood of snoring, hemorrhoids7, backaches, stillbirth8, and drops in blood pressure.
To recap: If you love sleeping on your back, it’s fine during your first trimester but avoid it later on in pregnancy.
Side Sleeping
Health experts advise that the best sleeping position during pregnancy is on your left side.7 Sleeping on your left side can improve circulation, getting more blood and nutrients to both you and your baby. They add that this can help prevent swelling, varicose veins, and hemorrhoids.
More Information: Best Mattress for Side Sleeping
Combination Sleeping
Combination sleeping means moving between two or more positions through the night. This is common during pregnancy – after all, it can be hard to find a position that feels comfortable.
It is safe to switch between back, stomach, and side sleeping during the first trimester. However, back sleeping becomes less safe later in pregnancy, and stomach sleeping tends to become less comfortable.
Stomach Sleeping
According to health experts, it is safe to sleep on your stomach throughout your pregnancy.6 However, it may not be the most comfortable position. In fact, one of the earliest signs of pregnancy for many people is sore breasts9. This will likely make sleeping on your stomach uncomfortable early on.
As pregnancy progresses and your belly gets larger, this will likely also make stomach sleeping uncomfortable. If you love stomach sleeping, though, you might try it with a pregnancy pillow that will contour your belly in this position.
Tips for Better Sleep During Pregnancy
According to the American Pregnancy Association, there are specific tips you can utilize to help you sleep better.7
- Bend your knees and keep a pillow between your legs – This posture can help minimize pressure on your back.
- Place a pillow underneath your stomach – Placing a pillow under the stomach could further alleviate back pain.
- Raise your torso – This would apply to pregnant people who experience heartburn to help keep stomach acid down. You can do this by either using a pillow to prop you up or an adjustable base. Additionally, if you experience shortness of breath, keeping your torso raised could help you breathe easier.1
- Practice good sleep hygiene – Good sleep hygiene refers to habits designed to optimize your sleep, which can be great for anyone, including pregnant people. Some examples include keeping a regular sleep schedule, sleeping in a cool, dark, and noise-free bedroom, and having a relaxing nightly routine before bed to help relieve stress.
- Speak with your doctor – You will likely see your doctor periodically throughout your pregnancy, so if you are still experiencing significant sleep struggles, we recommend bringing it up with your doctor, who can help come up with safe and effective solutions.
Best Mattress for Pregnancy FAQs
Is memory foam safe during pregnancy?
When memory foam was invented, there were concerns about the chemicals used in manufacturing, but more modern iterations of the same materials have been regulated so that they contain flame retardants. Certifications from third-party organizations like CertiPUR-US® also help ensure these foams are safe for consumer use, and these certifications are usually listed on the manufacturer’s website if you’d like to investigate further.
Read More: Toxic Materials in Foam Mattresses
Is off-gassing bad for pregnancy?
Many bed-in-a-box mattresses have a detectable odor when they are first unpacked that usually dissipates after a few hours or a few days. This is usually a result of the packing process that compresses the bed and keeps it vacuum-sealed in plastic. Though it is reportedly harmless, those with sensitive noses may look for beds that are not compressed.
Are there air mattresses that can accommodate pregnancies?
If an airbed is your preference, there are options for you, even when you are pregnant due to advances in airbed technology and setup. Lying on your back, you should achieve the same balance and support you’re used to with air mattresses, but newer choices even offer cutouts or holes that can accommodate your growing belly when you’re lying on your stomach, something unheard of in more traditional mattress builds.
| Mattress | Best For | Price (Queen Size) | Review |
| Helix Midnight | Overall | $1,199 | Helix Midnight Mattress Review |
| Emma Original | Soft | $1,399 | Emma Original Mattress Review |
| Nectar | Memory Foam | $999 | Nectar Mattress Review |
| WinkBed | Back Pain | $1,799 | WinkBed Mattress Review |
| Nolah Signature | Hip Pain | $1,599 | Nolah Signature Mattress Review |
| Bear Elite Hybrid | Cooling | $1,499 | Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress Review |
| Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid | Firm | $1,249 | Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress Review |
| Saatva Classic | Innerspring | $1,995 | Saatva Classic Mattress Review |
| Birch Luxe | Organic | $2,899 | Birch Luxe Mattress Review |
Loren Bullock
Lead Product Tester
About Author
Loren is the Lead Reviewer at Sleep Advisor. She has prioritized sleeping for as long as she can remember, rarely deviating from seven to nine hours each night.
Combination Sleeper
- Certified Sleep Science Coach
Education & Credentials
References:
- “Science Update: Sleeping position during early and mid pregnancy does not affect risk of complications, NIH-funded study suggests”. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. 2019.
- “10 Things No One Expects During a Summer Pregnancy”. Unity Point Health. Webpage accessed June 28, 2024.
- “Is Sex Safe During Pregnancy?”. American Pregnancy Association. Webpage accessed November 16, 2024.
- Pien, Grace. “Get a Good Night’s Sleep During Pregnancy”. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Webpage accessed May 15, 2024.
- Won, Christine. “Sleeping for Two: The Great Paradox of Sleep in Pregnancy”. National Library of Medicine. 2015.
- “Sleeping Positions During Pregnancy”. University of Rochester Medical Center. Webpage accessed May 15, 2024.
- “Best Sleeping Positions During Pregnancy”. American Pregnancy Association. Webpage accessed May 15, 2024.
- Robertson, Nicole., Okano, Satomi., Kumar, Sailesh. “Sleep in the Supine Position during Pregnancy Is Associated with Fetal Cerebral Redistribution”. National Library of Medicine. 2020.
- “Signs and symptoms of pregnancy”. NHS. Last modified December 29, 2022.